Yuba County CA Archives Biographies.....Lewis, James Edwin 1873 - 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 January 7, 2012, 6:55 pm

Source: See below
Author: Peter J. Delay

JAMES EDWIN LEWIS. — Among California's loyal sons is numbered James Edwin
Lewis, a well-known resident of Marysville, familiarly known to his many friends
as "Postmaster Ed Lewis," He was born in Marysville, February 9, 1873; and his
parents were A. W. and Emma (Garrett) Lewis, both born in New York State. They
migrated to Morrison, Ill. Mrs. Lewis was a sister of the late J. R. Garrett, of
Marysville. In 1862 the father made the journey across the plains from Morrison,
Ill., to California by means of ox team and wagon, being accompanied by his
family, the Garretts and other families. He settled in Yuba County and was first
engaged in the work of delivering water from the mountain springs to the
residents of Marysville. The following year, in 1863, he volunteered his
services in the Civil War, in aid of the Union, joining Company C of the 6th
California Infantry, with which he was sent to Arizona. He completed his term of
military service in 1865, and after receiving his discharge returned to
California, taking up the barber's trade, which he continued to follow
throughout his remaining years. He is survived by the mother, who is now living
in Pasadena, Cal. Of their eight children six grew up and are living, our
subject being the second in order of birth. 

    After completing the grammar-school courses, Mr. Lewis entered the Chico
State Normal School, which he attended from 1889 until 1892, being 
obliged just before graduation to abandon his studies, owing to a sever siege of
pleuropneumonia. He spent the next two years at Kendrick, Idaho, where he
followed the profession of teaching. After his return to Marysville he became
shipping clerk, in 1894, for J. R. Garrett. In November, 1918, he was elected a
member of the eighth Assembly district of California. The excellent record which
he made in that connection led to his reelection for another term of two years.
During the session of 1919 he was a member of the following committees:
Agriculture; Corporations; Drainage, Swamp and Overflowed Lands; Fish and Game;
Military Affairs; and State Grounds and Parks. During the session he succeeded
in putting through a compromise bill settling the dispute between the Sutter
County farmers and the Armour interests in Sutter Basin, and had to do also with
other important matters, taking an active part in passing the Crowley Bill
preventing the sale of narcotics. In 1921 he was chairman of the committee on
Drainage, Swamp and Overflowed Lands, and a member of the committees on
Contested Elections, Efficiency and Economy, Insurance, Irrigation, Live Stock
and Dairies, and Ways and Means. While serving as Assemblyman, Mr. Lewis was
appointed postmaster at Marysville, March 14, 1922, by President Harding.
Resigning his seat as Assemblyman, he took over the direction of the post-office
on April 17, 1922. Under his efficient administration the work of the office is
being ably carried forward. He is a stockholder in the J. R. Garrett Company. 

    Devotion to his country is one of Mr. Lewis' outstanding characteristics. At
the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he enlisted in Company L, 8th
California Regiment, U. S. Volunteers, being assigned to garrison duty. During
the World War he acted as a "four-minute man" and took an active part in
promoting the various drives promulgated by the government at that time. He is
an honorary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a past president of
Marysville Parlor, No. 6, N. S. G. W., and for eight years served as District
Deputy Grand President. He is also prominent in fraternal circles, being a Past
Exalted Ruler of the Marysville Lodge, No. 783, B. P. O. E., Past Council
Commander of the Woodmen of the World and a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 9,
F. &. A. M. He gives his political support to the Republican party, and finds
diversion in fishing and outdoor life. 

    On September 15, 1900, Mr. Lewis married Miss Hattie Wren, a native of
Missouri, who came West with her mother when she was a child. She died on March
14, 1903, leaving a son, Garrett Wren, an electrical engineer by profession. Mr.
Lewis' second union united him with Miss Effie L. Sailor, a native daughter of
Yuba County, whom he wedded on April 16, 1905. He has always stood for progress
and improvement in affairs relating to the upbuilding of town, county and
commonwealth; and his individual qualities are such as have gained for him high
and enduring regard. 


Additional Comments:

HISTORY OF YUBA and SUTTER COUNTIES 
CALIFORNIA 
WITH 
Biographical Sketches OF 
The Leading Men and Women of the Counties Who Have Been Identified with Their
Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present 

HISTORY BY 
PETER J. DELAY 

ILLUSTRATED 
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME 

HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1924


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/yuba/bios/lewis1118gbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/

File size: 5.4 Kb