DAVID CROSBY LEWIS
David Crosby Lewis gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)
B. August 4, 1808 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT
D. July 27, 1885 in Hainesville, Lake County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here)
- Father: Isaac Lewis born February 4, 1766 in Pepperell, Middlesex County, MA, son of Jonathan Lewis and Persis Lewis; married Elizabeth “Betsey” Cram in 1789; Isaac died July 27, 1824 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Mother: Elizabeth “Betsey” (Cram) Lewis born January 2, 1764 in Lyndeborough, Hillsborough County, NY, daughter of David Cram (1737-1823) and Mary (Badger) Cram (1739-1825); Elizabeth died February 26, 1845 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Wife (1): Martha M. Reed born May 10, 1812, daughter of Levi Reed (1775-1813) and Martha Patty (Winslow) Reed (1781-1860); Martha died March 5, 1846 (NOTE: Martha may had died around the birth of her son, David O. Lewis, in 1846) (See section pertaining to Martha M. (Reed) Lewis buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
- Wife (2): Abigail D. Hawley born February 22, 1824 in Pomfret, Windsor County, VT, daughter of Ira Hawley (1792-1852) and Martha “Patty” (Barrows) Hawley (1795-1882); married David Crosby Lewis on February 7, 1850 in McHenry County, IL; Abigtail died December 7, 1859 in Avon Township, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Abigail D. (Hawley) Lewis buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
- Wife (3): Martha H. Hawley born March 2, 1818 in Massachusetts, daughter of Ira Hawley (1792-1852) and Martha “Patty” (Barrows) Hawley (1795-1882), sister of Abigail D. (Hawley) Lewis; Martha married (1) Horace Taylor (1801-1853); married (2) David Crosby Lewis (1808-1885) in 1853 in Lake County, IL; Martha died May 8, 1894 (See section pertaining to Martha H. (Hawley) Lewis buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
- Children of Martha M. (Reed) Lewis and David Crosby Lewis:
- Winslow R. Lewis born November 19 1832 in Wolcott, Lamoille County, VT; married (1) Jane Dyckes (1833-1872), daughter of Eliza (Newberry) Dyckes (1826-1899); married (2) Mary Estella Snively (1859-1946) April 10, 1882 in Osage, Mitchell County, IA, daughter of Jacob S. Snively (1813-1899) and Anna (Buchner) Snively (1814-1887); Winslow died December 6, 1909 in Bismarck, Burleigh County, ND; Winslow, Jane and Mary are buried in Osage Cemetery, Osage, Mitchell County, IA
According to the Bismarck Tribune (Bismarck ND) Tuesday, December 7, 1909, page 4:
“WINSLOW R. LEWIS IS DEAD FROM APOPLEXY – END CAME SUDDENLY AT HIS HOME ON FIFTH STREET MONDAY. – Stricken With Apoplexy Sunday Forenoon – Remains Will Be Taken to Iowa for Interment. – W. R. Lewis, one of the respected citizens of Bismarck, died at his home, 523 Fifth street, at half past three Monday afternoon. He was taken with a stroke of apoplexy Sunday morning and from the time he was first taken it was known that there was no hopes for his ultimate recovery. He is survived by a wife and six children, Elmer of Pasedena, Ca., and C. E. Leroy, Ward, Maude E. and Laura of this city. Mr. Lewis was born in Vermont on Nov. 19, 1832. He moved to Iowas when a young man and engaged in farming, moving to Bismarck in 1907, and has made his home here since that time. While he and his family have made their home here only for a comparatively short time, they have gathered a circle of acquaintances who were shocked to hear of the death, and who deeply sympathize with the sorrowing relatives. Aside from his family here he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Laura Gowdy of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Rose Beckwith of Rockefeller, Ill. The funeral services will be held at the house this afternoon at 2:30 at which Rev. Magin will preside. The body will then be taken to Osage, Ia., the former home, where they will be interred. The remains will be accompanied by Mrs. Lewis and her son Ward.”
2. Laura Ann (Lewis) Gowdy born 1836 in Williamstown, VT; married Lewis Gowdy about 1856; Laura died February 1, 1925 in Hennepin County, MN; buried in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MN
According to the Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis MN) Tuesday, February 3, 1925, page 7:
“GOWDY SERVICES HELD – Funeral services were conducted at Lakewood chapel at 11:30 a.m. today for Mrs. Lewis Gowdy, who died in Williamstown, Vt. She lived in Minneapolis since 1884.”
3. Sophia Mariah (Lewis) Becker born February 8, 1842 in Vermont; married William Henry Becker about 1865; lived in Concord, Bureau County, IL; Sophia died July 23, 1906; buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Wyanet, Bureau County, IL
According to the Bureau County Tribune (Princeton IL) Friday, July 27, 1906, page 12:
“Mrs. Sophia Becker died at the home of her son-in-law William Bodfish, on East Peru street, Monday of this week. She was in her sixty-fifth year. Funeral services were held at the house Wednesday afternoon, and the remains were taken to Wyanet where services were held in the M. E. church. Rev. C. E. Stebbins of West Bureau, officiating. Burial was in the Wyanet cemetery. An obituary notice will appear in the Tribune next week.”
According to the Bureau County Tribune (Princeton IL) Friday, August 3, 1906, page 7:
“Sophia Lewis Becker.
Sophia Lewis Becker was born in Williamston, Orange county, Vermont, Feb. 8, 1832 (sic) and died in Princeton, Ill. July 23, 1906. When an infant she was brought by her parents to Lake county Ill., where they settled in 1864. She married W. H. Becker in the town of Wyanet. After a year’s residence in Paisippie, Ia, they returned and located at South Hickory, Bureau county. May 2, 1903, Mr. Becker passed away very suddenly. Since that time Mrs. Becker has been gradually failing. In June it was discovreed (sic) that she had a malignant tumor. A hurried visit was made to Chicago. An operation was performed, but the disease was deep seated and there was no hope of her surviving only for a brief time. She returned to the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Bodfish, in Princeton, where everything was done to make her remaining days as comfortable as possible. From this time she gradually failed until Sunday, when hemorrhages commenced and continued until she passed away.
Around her bedside were her devoted children to comfort her and receive her last word and her blessing. Much regret was expressed at the unavoidable absence of her son Philo and daughter Elzie.
She was converted in early childhood and united with the United Brethren church at Manlius, where she held her membership at her death.
She attended the Hickory Grove Sunday school and church and was an active worked in the cause of God. During her last sickness she received much consolaton (sic) from the christian ministrations of her children who read God’s word and prayed with her often. Her life was one of steadfast faith and as a blessing to the world.
She leaves eight children, four sons, Philo, of Minn., and Alva, Albert and Clarence of Hickory; also four daughers (sic), Mrs. Edna Storrs, of Amboy, Minn.; Mrs. Bodfish of Princeton, Ill; Mrs. Jessie Ross, of Minn.; Mrs. Elzie Bickford, of Kewanee, Ill. Also two sisters, Mrs. Laura Goowdy (sic) of Minneapolis Minn. and Mrs. Ross Beckwith, of Lake county, Ill., and one brother, Winslow R. Lewis, of Osage, Iowa.
The funeral was held at the residence of her daughter in Princeton Wednesday, at 12:30, conducted by Rev. C. E. Stebbins, of West Bureau. Rev. Slaughter of the M. E. church offered prayer. Her remains were taken to Wyanet, where a service was held in the M. E. church at 2:30. Rev. Courtright and Rev. J. G. Brook, a former pastor assisting at the services. Comforting music was furnished by the Princeton choir of the M. E. church.
Interment was made in the family lot in Forest Hill cemetery.”
4. Ranslure Clarke Lewis born November 10, 1843 in Vermont (AKA Ranslure Clarke Persons after adoption by P. O. Persons, according to findagrave.com); Ranslure Persons appears in the 1850 and 1860 census as the son of Adrian M. and Delia Persons living in the Town of Warren, Lake County, IL; (NOTE: according to the will of David C. Lewis signed August 19, 1882: “Second. I give and bequeath to my son Ranslure Clarke Lewis otherwise known as Ranslure C. Pearsons or R. C. Pearson the sum of Fifty Dollars to be paid to him within one year after my decease.”); married Mary Orintha Putnam (1847-1923) on March 22, 1867 in Lake County, IL, daughter of Proctor Putnam (1814-1892) and Rosilla (Sargent) Putnam (1823-1895); their children were Clarence Leslie Persons (1872-1946) and Perry Lee Persons (1874-1962) (NOTE: Perry was married to Nellie E. Botsford (1870-1957), daughter of Reuben S. Botsford (1833-1918) and Elizabeth (Marble) Botsford (1833-1910)); Ranslure died January 14, 1883 in Newport Township, Lake County, IL; Ranslure and Mary are buried in Union Cemetery, Waukegan, Lake County, IL
5. David O. Lewis born 1846; David died March 6, 1858; (See section pertaining to David O. Lewis buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
- Children of Abigail D. (Hawley) Lewis and David Crosby Lewis:
- Rosetta M. “Rosa” (Lewis) Beckwith born in November 1850 in Illinois; married Charles F. Beckwith (1847-1935), son of Gilbert Beckwith (1814-1882) and Harriet Beckwith (1808-1889); Rosetta died September 24, 1940 in Grayslake, Lake County, IL; Rosetta and Charles are buried in the Ivanhoe Cemetery, Mundelein, Lake County, IL
According to the Daily Herald (Chicago IL) Friday, October 4, 1940, page 10:
“MOTHER OF DES PLAINES WOMAN IS BURIED – Mrs. Rosa Beckwith, 89 of Grayslake, died last week after a six year illness. She was the mother of Elmer Beckwith, of Des Plaines, Ernest Beckwith, Russell, Pa., Mrs. Edith Colby, Corry, Pa., and Edith Beckwith, Grayslake. The funeral was held Friday.”
- Siblings:
- Elizabeth “Betsey” (Lewis) Hatch born September 27, 1791 in Roxbury, Washington County, VT; married James Hatch (1787-1868) in 1811, son of Asa Hatch and Roxanna (Delano) Hatch; Betsey died December 3, 1838 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; after the death of Elizabeth, James married her sister Cynthia Lewis; Elizabeth and James are buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Jonathan Lewis born July 2, 1793 in Roxbury, Washington County, VT; War of 1812 Veteran; married Sally Smith (1797-1833), daughter of Jedediah Smith and Sally Smith; Jonathan died June 14, 1870 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; Jonathan and Sally are buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Cynthia (Lewis) (Clarke) Hatch born April 15, 1795 in Roxbury, Washington County, VT; married (1) Elam Clarke (1786-1832) in 1815; married (2) James Hatch (1787-1868) in 1839; Cynthia died March 22, 1867 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; Cynthia, Elam and James are buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Rev. Moses Lewis born May 19, 1797 in Roxbury, Washington County, VT; married (1) Satira Davenport (1799-1863) in 1819, daughter of John Davenport (?-1808) and Hannah (Bixby) Davenport (1776-1800); married (2) Melinda Davis in 1864; Moses died September 26, 1869 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; Moses and Satira are buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
According to the Vermont Christian Messenger (Montpelier VT) Thursday, October 14, 1869, page 2:
“Rev. Moses Lewis – Rev. Moses Lewis died in Williamstown, September 26, age 72 years, 4 months and 7 days. Brother Lewis was born in Roxbury May 19, 1797. In early life was converted to the faith of Christ, and soon joined the M. E. Church of which he remained a worthy member until his death. He entered the traveling ministry in 1831. In 1849, when the Vermont Conference was set off from the New Hampshire, he became a member of the Vermont Conference in which he maintained an honorable relation until called to his reqard. Brother Lewis held an effective relation but six years, two on Rochester circuit, two on Norwich, one at Williamstown and one at Plainfield at which place he failed at the end of four months and returned to Williamstown where he remained an active supporter of all the interests of the M. E. Church both at home and abroad. When it became evident that his departure was at hand he called some of his brethren to his bedside and through them made a small be quest to the Church at Williamstown, the interest of which is to be applied annually to the benefit of the Church. Brother Lewis is as well known that he needs no commendation from me, yet I feel it due to his memory to say that he lived a useful devoted life, and died as we should expect… His last sickness was very painful and severe, yet be endured it with patience not a word of complaint, and at the last he passed away without a struggle or a groan, and we will write as expressive of the scene “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.””
- Sophia (Lewis) Hatch born August 10, 1799; married Sanford Hatch (?-1877); Sophia died June 15, 1884; Sophia and Sanford are buried in Sheffield Cemetery, Sheffield, Bureau County, IL
- Hannah Lewis born July 25, 1801 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; Hannah died September 4, 1808 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Barna Lewis born November 1, 1804 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; Barna died August 30, 1808 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
- Persis Lewis born September 9, 1806 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; Persis died September 8, 1808 in Williamstown, Orange County, VT; buried in East Hill Cemetery, Williamstown, Orange County, VT
Additional Information:
According to the U.S., Appointments of U.S. Postmasters, 1832-1971 (Lake County, IL):
“Post Office Location: Forksville, Name: David Lewis, Appointment Date: 24 Mar 48; Name: Martial H. Booth, Appointment Date: 12 May 57 (Volume #: 18; Volume Year Range: 1845-1855)”
According to “The Past and Present of Lake County, Illinois”. Chicago. Wm. Le Baron & Co. 1877, page 249:
“In 1850, the Methodists met at the school house at Gray’s Lake, under the direction of Rev. Francis Reed, and formed a class of fourteen members. They have continued to increase in numbers, and have held service from year to year at the various school houses in the town until 1876, when a fine house of worship was built on the Antioch road, near Lozell Munger’s.
The following are the names of the first members of the class formed as aforesaid: Rebecca Vandemark, Nancy Whitney, D. C. Lewis, Abigail Lewis, Laura A. Lewis, S. E. Vandemark, Henry Vandemark, Mary Vandemark, Lorenzo Adams, Chloe Adams, Lydia Lindsey, Minverva Dimmick, O. H. Crawford, Lucinda Crawford.”
According to the 1850 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL the household members were:
“David C. Lewis, age 42, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont; Abigal (sic) D. Lewis, age 26, born in Vermont; Winslow R. Lewis, age 18, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont; Laura A. Lewis, age 14, born in Vermont; Sophia M. Lewis, age 8, born in Vermont”
According to the Waukegan Weekly Gazette (Waukegan IL) Saturday, April 3, 1858, page 3″
“HUNGARIAN GRASS SEED. – Davis Lewis of Forksville, has a quantity of the above seed for sale, at the post office, in that place, he has also left some at Case’s Store in this city.”
According to the 1860 U.S. Census for Town Avon, Lake County, IL, Hainesville post office the household members were:
“D. C. Lewis, age 52, occupation farmer, born in Vermont; W. R. Lewis, age 28, born in Vermont; S. M. Lewis, age 18, born in Vermont; R. N. Lewis, age 10, born in Vermont”
According to the 1870 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL Hainesville post office the household members were:
“David C. Lewis, age 61, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont; Martha Lewis, age 52, born in Massachusetts; Thena Taylor, age 19, born in Illinois”
According to the 1880 U.S. Census for Town of Avon, Lake County, IL the household members were:
“David C. Louis (sic Lewis) age 71, married, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont, father born in Massachusetts, mother born in New Hampshire; Marthy (sic Martha) H. Louis, age 62, wife, married, born in Massachusetts, father born in Massachusetts, mother born in Connecticut; Pattey Hawley, age 85, wife mother, widowed, occupation: boarding, born in Connecticut, parents born in Connecticut”
According to the Waukegan Weekly Gazette (Waukegan IL) Saturday, August 1, 1885, page 3:
“DIED.
LEWIS – In Hainesville, Lake Co., Ill., July 27, 1885, David Crosby Lewis, in h is 78th year.”
According to the Waukegan Weekly Gazette (Waukegan IL) Saturday, August 8, 1885, page 3:
“Obituary.
DAVID C. LEWIS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Williamstown, Vt., August 4, 1808, and died July 27, 1885. He removed with his family to Lake County in 1844. He lived most of the time on a farm a short distance east of Gray’s Lake, but four years since sold his farm and purchased a home in the village of Hainesville. Mr. Lewis had been married three times, and a wife and four children – once son and three daughters – survive to mourn his loss. His children who survive him are Mr. Winslow R. Lewis, of Mitchell County, Iowa, Mrs. Laura A Gowdy, of Minneapolis, Minn., Mrs. Sophia M. Becker, of Bureau County, Ill. and Mrs. Rosa M. Beckwith, of this county.
The deceased had long been in a feeble state of healthy, but his sickness was a short duration. In less than two weeks from the time he was first stricken down the end came. From the first it seemed that death had marked him for his own. His sufferings were borne without a murmur. In early life the deceased accepted Christ as his divine Savior, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained a consistent member until his death. He was one of the few living members of the first “Class” formed at Hainesville, and for many years the leading singer. He was always interested in every good cause, and was a strong advocate of temperance. During the Civil War, although unable to actively participate in its scenes, he read the papers very closely, and rejoiced over every success of the Union army. He retained to the last a strong interest in the political affairs of the Nation and the leading questions of the day. The funeral was held at the house, July 29th, and the remains were interred in Fort Hill Cemetery.”
According to the Waukegan Weekly Gazette (Waukegan IL) Saturday, October 24, 1885, page 3:
“Auction Sales.
On next Wednesday, Mr. Frank Beak will have an auction sale on his farm known as the David C. Lewis place, 1/2 mile northeast of Gray’s Lake school house. The property will include choice cows, yearlings, hogs, horses, sheep, calves, shoats, agricultural implements, stove wood, household furniture, posts, hay, apples, milk pans and cans, &c. Mr. Ira R. Webb is auctioneer.”
According to the “History of Lake County, Illinois”. John J. Halsey, LL.D. 1912. Chicago, page 600:
“VOLO.
The Volo Postoffice, which was located in Wauconda Township, was originally established under the name of Forksville on March 24, 1848, and changed to Volo on November 27, 1868. David Lewis was the first postmaster at this office, being appointed on March 24, 1848. He served until May 12, 1851, when Martial H. Booth was appointed….” (NOTE: David Lewis was appointed again on January 30, 1857 before being replaced by Clark Gale on February 17, 1859.)
According to Lewisiana, Or, The Lewis Letter, Vol. XIV, No. 3. Guilford, Conn., Sept., 1903, page 45:
“David Crosby (288) m 3 times and has one son living.
294. I. Winslow R., res. New Haven, Ia.”
According to Illinois, Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999:
In the name of God Amen: I David C. Lewis of the town of Avon in the county of Lake and State of Illinois of the age of seventy four (74) years and being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament in the manner following that is to say:
First. I give and bequeath to my wife Martha H. Lewis The sum of One Thousand Dollars to be paid to her within one year after my decease. I further give and bequeath to my said wife Martha H. Lewis all my household goods, furniture, stoves, beds, bedding, cooking utensils and all other household goods whatsoever. I also give and bequeath to my said wife Martha H. Lewis the use of my dwelling house now occupied by me as a homestead together with Lots numbered Three (3) Four (4) five (5) Six (6) and seven (7) and the West half of Lot Eight (8) in Block Number Three (3) in the village of Hainesville during the time that she shall occupy the same as a homestead residence for herself and when she shall cease to occupy the same as a residence for herself it is my will that said house and lots shall be disposed of with the balance of my estate for the benefit of my heirs as hereinafter mentioned.
Second. I give and bequeath to my son Ranslure Clarke Lewis otherwise known as Ranslure C. Pearsons or R.C. Pearsons the sum of Fifty Dollars to be paid to him within one year after my decease.
Third. In case I shall survive my said wife Martha H. Lewis and she shall die before my decease then and in the case I give and bequeath to her daughter Parthena A. Harvey the sum of One Hundred and fifty Dollars ($150.00) to be paid to her within two years after my decease.
Fourth. I give and bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, real and personal goods and chattels, moneys, and credits, of what nature and kind soever to my son Winslow R. Lewis, my daughter Laura A. Gowdy, my daughter Sophia M. Becker, and my daughter Rosetta M. Beckwith to be divided equally between them share and share alike the said estate to be settled and divided within two years after my deceased if possible And when my said wife shall cease to occupy the homestead house and lots herein above mentioned from any cause whatsoever it is my will that said homestead house and lots shall be sold and the avails thereof be equally divided between my said children Winslow R. Lewis, Larua A. Gowdy, Sophia M. Becker and Rosetta M. Beckwith, share and share alike subject to the payment of the legacies herein before mentioned if they are not otherwise paid.
Fifth. Lastly I do hereby appoint my wife Martha H. Lewis executrix and my son-in-law Charles f. Beckwith executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing my said executors to sell and convey any and all lands belonging to my estate when necessary for the settlement thereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, and eight-two (AD 1882)
David C. Leiws {Seal}
The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof, signed sealed, published, and declared by the said David C. Lewis, as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Stephen W. Marvin }
residing at Hainesville, Lake Co. Ill. }
Albert G. Forvor }
residing at Hainesville, Lake Co, Ill. }