John Henry Lewis. John Henry Lewis is an excellent example of the successful man of well balanced mind, who has pursued the path that leads to fortune and to fame. He has been a prominent citizen of Knox county for many years, residing in the city of Knoxville. A native of the state of New York, he was born in Tompkins county, July 21, 1830. His ancestry reaches back to the period when the times and events "tried men's souls." The name Lewis will ever be illustrious in the annals of American history. That charter of American liberty, the Declaration of Independence, was signed by Francis Lewis, from whom John Henry Lewis is descended. Francis Lewis was a native of Landaff, in the shire of Glamorgan, South Wales, and was born in March, 1713. The father was a clergyman and his mother the daughter of a clergyman, the Rev. Dr. Pettingal, who had charge of a parish in North Wales. Francis Lewis was an only child and was left an orphan when but five years old. He was left to the care of a maternal aunt and was sent to the Westminster School in London, where he soon became a thorough classical scholar. In the spring of 1735, when only twenty-one years of age, he came to New York with merchandise which he had purchased with his small fortune. His partner was Edward Annesly. Francis Lewis took a portion of the goods to Philadelphia, where he remained two years. He then returned to New York and married Elizabeth Annesly, his partner's sister. When the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia he was unanimously elected a member on April 22, 1775, and continued to hold the office until 1779. He was an uncompromising advocate of liberty and was one of the first to declare that the colonies could not live under the domination of Great Britain. For the cause of freedom and the inalienable rights of the colonies he spent his fortune and died poor in 1803, at the advanced age of ninety.

Henry Lewis, the father of John Henry Lewis, was a native of New Jersey, born in Sussex county, October 6, 1796. His kinsman, General Morgan Lewis, whose wife was of the noted Livingston family, was once its governor. The wife of Henry Lewis was Permelia M. Shaver, a native of New York state. They were married July 8, 1826, and removed to Illinois in the fall of 1836 with their two sons, George W. and John H. The day of railroads and steam had not yet dawned and they were compelled to make the trip in a two-horse wagon, loaded with implements that would be of service in their new settlement. At length after fifty-one days of extreme weariness and toil they reached their journey's end, October 15, 1836. They settled in Ellisville, Fulton county, where there were only a few deserted wigwams. Mr. Lewis erected the first frame house in that town and it was here that the hopes and plans of the little family were blasted by his death, September 25, 1837, within a year of his arrival. The mother bore up as bravely as she could under her sorrow and in the wilderness, without friends or home, battled nobly to sustain herself and her children until they could become self-supporting. George, the eldest son, left home while yet young and traveled in the eastern states and in Mexico, at last settling in southern California, where he died.

John H. Lewis remained with his mother until he was eleven years of age, attending school a few months each year and earning his living mostly by farm work. Then a contract for his services for a period of six years was made with a South Carolinan family under the following stipulations: good clothing; three months' schooling each year; a horse, saddle and bridle at the close of his apprenticeship. These conditions were almost wholly neglected. For the first five years,he had but forty-one days' schooling, was poorly clad, was treated as a menial and at meals was not allowed to sit at the table with the family. His mother, learning of the situation, succeeded in removing him at once. He was placed for the winter in the family of William Kent, who lived near the present site of Yates City. In the spring he was employed on the farm of James Kent at seven dollars a month. In the fall of 1847 he went to Knoxville, doing chores for his board in the family of Judge R. L. Hannaman. There he remained for two years, enjoying at the proper season the advantages of a common school. In 1849 he was employed in the store of G. M. Ewing, of Knoxville, at a salary of fifty dollars a year and board. The second year his salary was raised to seventy-five dollars and the third year he was offered one hundred and fifty dollars but declined the offer, that he might obtain a more liberal education and thus fit himself for the higher duties of citizenship. He was next employed in the store of Alexander Ewing, of Knoxville, and by his trustworthiness and fidelity gained the confidence of his employer. Mr. Ewing entrusted him with a small bill of goods to sell on the road on a commission.

Mr. Lewis had neither horse nor wagon nor money to purchase an outfit, his cash capital being only twenty-two dollars, and of this twenty dollars was paid, toward a horse and harness, purchased for forty dollars, and a sixty-day note for sixty dollars was given for a wagon. Thus equipped he started out on his new venture and so successful was he that the amount of his profits was sufficient to pay off his note before maturity. In 1852 he took a clerkship in the store of a Mr. Chesney at Abingdon, with whom he remained until his employer sold out in 1857.
Previously Mr. Lewis had been employed in the law office of Hannaman & Hale, making out abstracts of county records. It was there that he acquired a liking and taste for the law and having access to the library of A. J. King, a prominent lawyer at Abingdon, he availed himself of the privilege and studied at night while clerking in a dry-goods store. He was soon qualified for practice and was licensed by the supreme court, January 10, 1870, to practice in all the courts of the state.

In politics Mr. Lewis is a stalwart republican and as a member of that party has held many public offices, which he has always filled with marked ability. In his early years he was an abolitionist, sympathizing greatly with the colored race in their enslaved condition. He became a member of the republican party at its organization and voted for John C. Fremont, its first presidential nominee. In the exciting campaign of 1860 Mr. Lewis was elected clerk of the circuit court of Knox county, holding the office for four years. He then took a vacation for several months, visiting friends in the Union army. All this time his interest in politics was unabated and he kept thoroughly abreast of all national affairs. In 1868 he again entered the clerk's office as deputy, holding that position for six years. In 1874 he was appointed one of the trustees of the Institution for the Education of the Blind, which office he resigned when elected to the state legislature. His legislative record is highly commendable and for his judicious acts and votes there he has received the encomiums of his fellow citizens generally. One of his acts while a member of the legislature is especially deserving of notice. Having examined carefully into the penal institutions of the state and believing that their management was not for the good of the criminal and the best interests of the state, he framed and introduced a preamble and resolution that was read for information but, being objected to by a single member, was not allowed to be considered. It was published in the papers throughout the state and highly commended. Mr. Lewis urged that prisons, in a measure, should be reformatory and that criminals as such have rights which the state is bound to respect; that those bound by the ties of consanguinity and love should have a portion of the fruits of their labor. The resolution excited a great deal of comment and interest far and near and was probably the first introduced in this state on that subject. In 1880 Mr. Lewis was elected to congress by the republicans of the ninth congressional district of Illinois over his opponent, John S. Lee. In 1882 he was renominatecl but was defeated on account of his vote on the river and harbor bill.

The life of Mr. Lewis is proof of the fact that a man is the architect of his own fortune. Poverty in his youth had no power to control his ambition or smother his aspirations. In the distance he saw the fertile fields of promise and through the open gateway he was determined to enter. By his determinedresolutions he hewed his way through the wilderness of doubt and uncertainty and won for himself riches and honor. As a citizen he is noted for his affability and urbanity of manner, for his kindness and sympathy to the unfortunate and his charity toward all. He is bound by no creed, is a member of no church, but believes in the gospel of good deeds. However, when a young man he joined the Masonic fraternity, to which he still belongs. He is also a member of the Commercial Club of Knoxville. While serving as circuit clerk of this county in the early '60s he commenced buying and selling land and has since devoted more or less attention to the real-estate business. He is now serving as one of the directors of the Farmers National Bank of Knoxville.

In December, 1857, Mr. Lewis was married, in Abingdon, to Miss Elizabeth S. Russell, a daughter of R. H. and Elizabeth Russell, of that city, who came to Illinois in the fall of 1837. They were Virginians by birth and left their native state on account of their hatred of slavery. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were born six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom only two are now living, namely: Ira J., who was born August 14, 1865, and is now married and living in Knoxville; and John H., who was born August 30, 1874, and is also married and makes his home in Knoxville. The latter is practicing law in Galesburg and is master in chancery. (History of Knox County, Vol. II, by A. J. Perry, pages 110-115, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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W. A. Lee. Among the townships of Knox County, Sparta can certainly boast of her quota of energetic, well-to-do farmers. Many of those who have fine farms in Sparta came here poor in pocket, but with the firm determination of establishing permanent homes for themselves and families, and having faith in the development of the country, located and for years have laborer to accomplish their desire and have succeeded. Among this number is the gentleman whose name heads this notice, who is at present residing on his fine farm on section 5, in the township named. Mr. Lee was born in Ontario County, New York on 26 September 1822, his father being Amos and his mother Mary (Willard) Lee, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont, respectively. The calling of his father was that of a farmer, and the children of the parental household were ten in number, seven of whom are living at this writing - Elias W., Myron H., William A. K., George C., Benjamin F. and Thaddeus C. Those deceased are Charles H., Harriet H. and Hannah A. Both heads of the household died in New York State, the mother in 1877 and the father in 1879.
     W. A. Lee lived with his parents until he was 25 years of age, having in the meantime received a rudimentary education in the common schools, which were supplemented by an academical course. After leaving school he clerked for his brother, and worked on a farm until 1846. It was during this year that he made up his mind to go West and grow up with the country, and following up his determination he came to Galesburg and made settlement. On arrival there he engaged in buying stock and a year later, embarked in the brick business, and was occupied for a year. In 1848 he erected the first meat-market in the present, active thriving city of Galesburg, and conducted the same with signal success until 1853. Selling out his market, he purchased a farm of 80 acres located three miles north of Galesburg, and engaged in that most independent of callings, farming. Subsequently he added another 80 to his original purchase, and lived on his land, actively engaged in its cultivation until 1857. He then sold his real estate and purchased a farm in Sparta Township, of 160 acres, the same being located on section 6, and to which he added an additional 80 on section 5, in the same township, by a subsequent purchase. Since he moved to Sparta Township, he has engaged to no inconsiderable extent in stock raising, making a specialty of the Poland-China swine.
     Mr. Lee has been twice married, first in 1848 to Miss Laura S. Booth, the accomplished daughter by adoption, of Noah W. Stanley of New Britain, Connecticut. She was only a wife for two short years, her demise occurring 6 September 1850, at Galesburg, where she lies buried. The second matrimonial alliance of our subject was solemnized 23 August 1853, on which occasion the destiny of Miss Betsey Knowles and that of our subject were united. She was the daughter of Judge Paul Knowles, of West Avon, Livingston County, New York, and of her union with Mr. Lee two children, George K. and William A., were born. The good wife and kind mother departed this life in 1873. George K., her eldest son, married Miss Kate Bowman, a native of this State, in 1880, and by her has one child, a daughter Maude. William A. Lee selected as his companion in life, Miss Jannie, the intelligent and accomplished daughter of William Patterson, of Sparta Township. Their marriage took place in 1880, and they also have two children to brighten their household, Freddie P. and Betsey K.
     Mr. W. A. Lee is a self-made man in every sense the word implies. He started in this life with nothing, and what he has he has made himself. In politics he votes with the Republican party, and as a social gentleman and a prominent citizen, he is the peer of any. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 523, submitted by Pat Thomas)

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Mrs. Mary A. Lowrey. This lady, the widow of Shaftoe Lowrey, deceased - who was the seventh son in a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters - is known as one of the most energetic and enterprising women of Cedar Township, and possesses a large business capability, and is endowed with more than ordinarily financial acuteness and foresight. She was born in Geneva, New York, 8 December 1817, and is the daughter of John and Mary (Barron) Armstrong. The former was of Scotch lineage and blood, but was American born, claiming the State of New Jersey as his birthplace. The mother was of English ancestry. Mr. Armstrong died of pneumonia, in 1852, while visiting in Canada, and his wife, in 1879, in Iowa. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: John lives in Missouri; he married Miss Nancy Morrison who died, when he again married; Harriet married William Tracy and lives in San Francisco, California; Matilda married H.J. Sanders, and lives in Abingdon; William A. died in California, in 1850; Rebecca is married and lives in Minneapolis; Margery married G. H. Flanders; and the subject of our sketch.
     Mr. Lowrey was born near Geneva, New York, 4 October 1814, and died 12 July 1870, having only reached middle life. He united heart and hand with the subject of this narration, 4 October 1842, and a few years after his marriage, in 1849, he went to Canada West, where, on Grand River, he engaged in lumbering, which occupation he followed for the space of six years. A brother-in-law, Mr. J. Z. Reed, whose home was in Buffalo, New York, was associated with him in business as a partner. They subsequently added a lumber-yard to the original enterprise. At the expiration of the six years, Mr. Lowrey came West and purchased 260 acres of land where he lived contentedly until called home by death. Mrs. Lowrey's bereavement occurred 12 July 1870, but bravely putting aside her womanly weakness, she took her place courageously at the head of the business affairs of the farm, which she managed until tow years ago, reflecting great credit upon herself by her judicious planning and execution. At that time she rented the greater portion of her farm, and in 1877 erected a handsome dwelling, two stories high, and finely finished in every particular. She was the sole superintendent and designer of the building and when it was finished at a cost of $3,000, it was the pride of that part of the county. It stands on a heavy foundation, enclosing a large cellar, which underlies the entire structure. The walls of the cellar are composed of Sagetown limestone, heavily lined with brick. The grounds surrounding the house include about two acres and are laid out in the most tasteful and attractive manner, forming a beautiful lawn in front, planted with evergreens. This is made still more inviting by the addition of rustic seats, flower beds, etc. She has one large barn, 31 X 60 feet, and another not so large, but finely finished. She is engaged quite extensively in the breeding of blooded fowls - the Light Brahmas, White Leghorns and Plymouth Rocks. The quarters proved for them are elegant and are supposed to be among the finest in the county, the houses being finished with zinc floors and plastered. Among her other enterprises is the breeding of Galloway cattle, which has proved very profitable. She bought Prince Jumbo at a high prices. He is numbered 2180, in the American Herd-book, and is considered one of the finest animals in the country.
     The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lowrey was productive of three children, all girls, who were born as follows: Alice M, 6 July 1844; she married Charles Mount, and died 23 September 1875, leaving one son - Shaftoe Lowrey; Mary M. 3 June 1846, died in Canada, 24 December 1852; and Jane E. was born 12 December 1847, and was married in the State of Illinois, to Franklin Mount, and died 4 August 1874, leaving two daughters, Jennie and Matilda. Matilda lives with our subject. Jennie is endowed with a remarkable artistic talent, specimens of her painting showing skill seldom met in one of her years. Mrs. Lowrey is educating both her granddaughters, giving them the best advantages in music and painting that the schools afford.
     Mr. Lowrey, husband of our subject, was quite prominent in public affairs, and a useful man socially. He was for 20 years Justice of the Peace and Supervisor, and was at the time of his death School Treasurer, which office he held a number of years. He was a man of affable and courteous manner and possessed of a first-class education, besides being truly cultured and refined. By calling he was a farmer, and his hearty and frank manner gained him friends on all sides, so that he was widely lamented at his death. He made religious profession of the Protestant Methodist faith and lived in his daily life the true principles of that noble Christianity as shown in the Word of God. Mrs. Lowrey is a Baptist by profession, joining their church when 15 years of age, but was congenial in spirit with the faith of her husband, who lingered for some time with that deceptive disease, consumption, but who finally yielded up life in patient resignation. He was a Republican in politics, and an honest, upright, conscientious man; striving to do unto his neighbors as he would have them do unto him. Among the numerous persons who are represented in the portrait department of this Album, none are more deserving than Mr. Lowrey. (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, page 625, submitted by Pat Thomas)

Benjamin Lombard, Jr., President of the Lombard Investment Company, Boston, Massachusetts and London, England; President of the Bank of Creston, Creston, Iowa; President of the Kansas State Bank, Wichita, Kansas; and the head of the banking house of Lombard Brothers, Kansas City, Missouri, was born at Truro, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 30 May 1836.
     The Lombards came to England with William the Conquerer, and the name has been familiar in London for centuries. The immediate ancestor of the subject of our sketch was David Lombard, native of Cape Cod, town of Truro, where he was born 16 November 1796. He was a seafaring man and most of his life was spent on the ocean as captain of a vessel. He was married at Truro, 10 December 1820. His wife, nee Anna Gross, was also a native of Cape Cod, tracing her ancestry back to the Puritans. Captain Lombard and wife lived together over 61 years, Mrs. Lombard dying in October 1881. They reared four sons and two daughters, Benjamin Lombard, Jr. being the youngest of the family.
     Benjamin Lombard, Jr., our subject was but nine years of age when he began as clerk in a general store and was there so employed for several years, spending the winter, however, at the district schools. In 1849 he came West and began work in a land office with is uncle, at Henry, Marshall County, Illinois, at a salary of $175 a year, out of which he paid $1.25 per week for his board. When we are told that he saved money from his first year's earnings, the key to much of his success is at hand. Simply unadulterated economy laid the foundation of his fortune. His great operations in life, where thousands and thousands of dollars have been involved, of course were not influenced by economy, but economy formed his ground plan. For two years he was employed upon the records and abstracts of titles of the Military Tract in Illinois, and while working at this he was shrewd enough to recognize the opportunities offered for speculation. He was about 16 years of age when he made his first investment of lands in the Military Tract, and the deal netted him $3,700.
     After finishing the record work, our subject traveled for his old employers until he was 22 years of age. About this time, or on 5 October 1858, he was married at Cambridge, Massachusetts to Miss Julia E. Lombard, daughter of the late Benjamin Lombard, founder of the Lombard University, Galesburg, Illinois. After marriage he made his residence near Boston, making journeys Westward, occasionally on business, and in 1861, located at Galesburg. Here he dealt largely in real estate, with fortune always in his favor. In fact it appears that from boyhood to this writing, (June 1886) everything that Benjamin Lombard Jr. has touched turned to gold.
     Our subject was one of the early stockholders in the First National Bank at Galesburg, and was many years its Vice-President. In 1873 he started the bank at Creston, Iowa, and in 1882 organized the Lombard Investment Company, the largest institution of the kind in the United States. Their investments will average $750,000 per month, and while in the aggregate it amounts to millions, no man has ever lost a dollar by them. His bank at Wichita, Kansas was started in January, 1881, and the Kansas City house some time late. In addition to these large financial concerns over which he presides, his landed interests are immense. He has upward of 10,000 acres under cultivation by tenantry and otherwise, and his unimproved lands in Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska would, if thrown together, rival in area the State of Rhode Island. The writer knows that Mr. Lombard would protest against this publication if he could, but it is a license we sometimes take, especially when as a chronicler of facts to be read by unknown thousands, both in America and Europe, we wish to illustrate by example the unparalleled possibilities of the youth of our country, be their start in life ever so poor. This is sufficient apology for the brief mention made of the financial success of the most remarkable man in Galesburg.
     Mr. Lombard's sons are named respectively William Alden, who is secretary of the Lombard Investment Company; Harry Dana, an extensive stock farmer residing in Monona County, Iowa; Martin Gay, a student; and a daughter, Hazel. The Eastern residence of Mr. Lombard in at Brookline, Massachusetts.  (Portrait & Biographical Album of Knox County, Illinois, pub. in 1886, pages 628-629, submitted by Pat Thomas)