Biography

Possibly mentioned in 1837-1838 WHS letters in reference to the Holland Land Company and the Chautuaqua Land Office. Only referred to as "Lewis," and once or twice, "Mr. Lewis". We are not entirely sure if Abner Lewis is the Lewis referred to, but there is an "Abner Lewis" listed in the microfilm to whom WHS wrote in 1839, so the possibility is there. From 18370925BJS_WHS1: "Lewis is still tramping over the tract and the appearance of settlers at the office is the consequence."

"Abner Lewis was born in Wells, Vermont on August 17, 1801. He was raised in Chautauqua County, New York, studied law with Abner Hazeltine in Jamestown, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice in Panama.
He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Chautauqua Co.) in 1838 and 1839.
Lewis was elected as a Whig to the 29th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1845, to March 4, 1847. He did not run for reelection, and served as Chautauqua County Judge from June, 1847 to November, 1852.
In 1856 Lewis moved to Winona, Minnesota, where he practiced law and was active in several businesses, including the city's transit railroad. Lewis was also involved in several civic causes, including construction of the State Normal School, Minnesota's academy for training teachers.
During the American Civil War Lewis was a Voting Commissioner, responsible for enabling Union soldiers from western states to cast ballots while in the field. In 1867 he was appointed U.S. Internal Revenue Assessor for the district that included Winona.
Active in the Methodist church as a lay preacher, and a prominent member of the prohibition movement, in 1870 he was the Prohibition Party's nominee for Governor.
Lewis was also interested in higher education, including serving as a Trustee of Hamline University and the State Normal School (now Winona State University), Minnesota's academy for training schoolteachers.
He remained active until his health began to fail in the late 1870s, after which he lived in retirement in Winona.
Lewis died in Winona on October 11, 1879. He was interred in Winona's Woodlawn Cemetery."