Summary Information
James T. Lewis Papers
1838-1904
- Lewis, James T. (James Taylor), 1819-1904
Wis Mss VY
0.4 c.f. (1 box)
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Papers of a Wisconsin governor from 1838 just before he settled in the state until his death in 1904, including two autobiographical journals written for his children, newspaper clippings concerning his career, and correspondence. Letters include some references to his administration of 1864-1866 and the early organization of the University of Wisconsin.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-wis000vy ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
James Taylor Lewis, lawyer, politician, governor, was born on October 30, 1819 at Clarendon, New York. Following an academy education, he taught school and studied law. In 1840 he traveled through Wisconsin, where his father had large land holdings, and in 1845 he settled in Columbus and was admitted to the bar. Especially fond of his profession and, for a time, the only lawyer in Columbia County, he enjoyed a successful practice and climbed the political ladder at a steady pace. A Democrat, he was a member of the constitutional convention of 1847-1848, served in the Assembly in 1852, the state Senate in 1853, and as lieutenant governor from 1854 to 1856. He then retired to his law practice, but entered into politics again in 1861, this time as a Republican, and was elected secretary of state. In the gubernatorial election of 1863, the Republicans nominated Lewis. The Democrat opponent, Henry L. Palmer, had been tainted in some railroad deals of the previous decade and Lewis won the election. Lewis was an ardent supporter of President Lincoln, faithfully supplied his state's quota of soldiers for the army, made numerous trips to army hospitals and camps, and secured a special order to transfer all of Wisconsin's sick and wounded soldiers to their home state. He was also instrumental in founding homes both for soldiers and soldiers' orphans. Keeping his 1863 election promise, he refused to run for a second term; he periodically refused all other offers of political office. For the rest of his life he lived in Columbus, and played an important part in bringing water and electric utilities to his home city. In 1876 he broke his retirement to become a delegate to the Republican national convention that nominated Rutherford B. Hayes. Lewis died on August 4, 1904.
From the Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1960), 229-230.
Scope and Content Note
The Lewis papers document the life of James T. Lewis. The collection is comprised of Autobiographical Journals, Correspondence, Speeches, Clippings, and Miscellany. Besides providing copies of many of his speeches, letters, and proclamations while Lewis was politically active, the Autobiographical Journals are an exemplary source of genealogical information. Only the first volume is indexed. Organized chronologically, the Correspondence covers a wide range of professional and personal concerns including appeals for him to accept a position on the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin. The bulk of the letters occur during the Civil War. The Clippings comment on Lewis' political career as well as on the early history of Columbus, Wisconsin. Covering a spectra of topics from duty and sacrifice to marital affairs, Speeches are chronologically arranged. Included in this file are copies of his annual messages to the legislature in 1864 and 1865 and his valedictory address of 1866. Also in chronological order, the Miscellany file contains a diverse collection of materials from election certifications to reminiscences; proclamations to the more eclectic “Phrenological Character” of Lewis done by O. S. Fowler in 1862.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Presented by Edward E. Ayer; Carl F. Deysenroth; and the Evanston (Illinois) Historical Society, 1953-1982, n.d. Portions previously cataloged as File 1895 December 18; File 1865 July 12; Wis Mss S 1863, June 6; Wis Mss 101S; Ms E902/LE; Wis Mss 165S (1 item only). Accession Number: M82-375
Processed by Vivian Laflamme, December 10, 1982.
Contents List
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Autobiographical Journal
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Box
1
Folder
1
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1819-1866
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Box
1
Folder
2
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1867-1890
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Box
1
Folder
3
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Correspondence, 1845-1904
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Box
1
Folder
4
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Speeches, 1849, 1863-1866, n.d.
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Box
1
Folder
5
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Clippings, 1853-1879, n.d.
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Box
1
Folder
6
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Miscellany, 1838-1898 [scattered], , n.d.
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