My Genealogy Hound

John T. Lewis, one of the independent farmers of Northeast Missouri, is a native of Harrison County, Ky., born in 1836. He is a descendant of two well-known Blue-grass State families—the Lewises and Jacksons. Our subject’s father, Benjamin Lewis, was born in Kentucky, and was of English and German descent. He immigrated to Northeast Missouri when our subject was a lad, and there raised a large family. He engaged in farming all his life, and, after enlisting in the late war, died at home in 1864. He fought in the battle at Kirksville, and at the time of his death was fifty-six years of age. He was a useful and consistent member of the Baptist Church, which, during the early days of the country, met at his and others’ houses. His wife and son are the only charter members now belonging to this church. In politics he was a Democrat. Our subject is the second son in a family of ten children, eight of whom are living. He was chiefly reared in Lewis County, Mo., but in those early pioneer days had but little opportunity of receiving an education. He moved to Knox County in 1853, and has since lived here. In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Juliana E. Buford, a native of Missouri, and a daughter of Henry and Eleanor (Hardy) Buford. To them have been born six children, all of whom (save one are living): Henry B. (deceased), Massanello M., Harriet E. (Lewis), Gregory, Minnie and Rettie. Our subject’s mother makes her home with him, and is now seventy-four years of age, vigorous in mind and enjoying good health. Mr. Lewis has been a resident of Knox County for more than thirty years, and is a man highly respected in church, business and public life. He is numbered among the enterprising farmers of this county, and owns a fine farm of 240 acres, well stocked. In politics he is a Democrat, and himself and family are members of the Baptist Church.