Rees Lewis
Rees Lewis was born in Radnorshire, Wales, in 1817. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Davis) Lewis, came to America in 1832, with their two children, Rees and Elizabeth, and settled in the village of Millbrook, Wayne Co., Ohio. The father was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked at Millbrook three and a half years, then removed to Ripley Township, Holmes County, and bought eighty acres of land, which he improved and made his home until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-four years of age; the mother died at the age of seventy-six years.
Rees Lewis received his elementary instruction in his native country, and after coming to America attended the common schools. He has always given his attention to agriculture, and at his father's death succeeded him in the ownership of the farm. He has inherited also his father's energy and industrious habits, and is one of the prosperous citizens of Ripley Township. He has always been a public-spirited citizen, and has been active in political and material affairs; has served six years as justice of the peace, and also as township trustee. Mr. Lewis was married in 1845 to Lydia, daughter of Thomas Moreland, and they have had six children, five of whom are living: James, the eldest, is a farmer living near Chicago; Thomas is in Oakland, Cal.; William is in New Mexico, and Hiram is at home. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Disciples Church, Mrs. Lewis of the Presbyterian; in politics he is a Democrat.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889