W. T. Lewis Obituary, Vasser, Tuscola County, Michigan

Copyright © 1998 by Diane Gillett Dibble. This copy contributed for use in 
the USGenWeb Archives.  

 

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Tuscola Obituaries

W. T. Lewis Obituary

Contributed by Diane Gillett Dibble


[1953]

Vassar Resident for 90 years, W. T. Lewis Dies

One of the true pioneer residents of Vassar, a man respected and loved by countless friends and 
during his long sojourn here, has passed away. W. T. Lewis for many years was the source of 
information on anything pertaining to the early days of Vassar, a town which he served in many 
ways during his long life.

Mr. Lewis, who had lived in Vassar most of his 93 years, died Saturday morning at his home, 230 
Main street. Although he had retired, he had engaged in farming on the Lewis homestead for many 
years. He had been an employee of the railroad and had lived in Omaha, Nebr., for a short time. 
>From 1905 to 1930, he held the office of president, secretary or treasurer of the State Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company, which he helped to organize. For a seven year period during these years, 
he lived in Lansing.

An active leader in the community, Mr. Lewis's affiliations were many. He was a member of the 
Vassar Presbyterian Church and had served as church treasurer; he was a 32nd Mason and a member 
of the Bay City Consistory. He was also a member of the Gleaners, the Foresters, and a life 
member of the IOOF. He was president of the Vassar Historical Society and organizer of the North 
Vassar Farmer's Club. In past years he had served as president of the Board of Education; 
supervisor for Vassar township and a member of the Fair Board.

During the Vassar Centennial, Mr. Lewis was "Mr. Vassar". He also was the oldes local former 
pupil of the Belknap School. W. R. Bartlett, founder of the Pioneer Times, was his first cousin. 
Mr. Lewis was born December 6, 1859 in Norwalk, Ohio, and came to Vassar at the age of three 
years. He married Jenny E. Ladd of Utica, Michigan, on March 2, 1887. Mrs Lewis died in 1948. 
He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Ralph Dibble of Lansing; three sons, William of Lansing; LeRoy of 
Vassar, Charles of Milwaukee; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

The funeral of William Tell Lewis, who lived in Vassar the longest of any resident, took place 
Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Gage Funeral Home. Rev. Dean Parker of the Methodist 
Church officiated an burial was in Riverside cemetery. The internment service was under the 
auspices of the Masonic Lodge.





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