Dickinson Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and
Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and
Marion Counties-Elmer Ellsworth Lewis
Portrait and Biographical
Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1893
ELMER ELLSWORTH LEWIS was
one of the most prominent young business
men of Solomon City, and his death was
mourned by all throughout the community. He
was born in Malta, Ohio, May 24, 1861, and was
the only son of Dr. Lewis, of this city. In 1877 he
came with his parents to Kansas, the family settling
in Abilene. Much of his boyhood was spent
in his father's drug-store. After attending the
public schools, he took a course of pharmacy in the
State University of Lawrence and afterward opened
a drug-store in Independence, Mo. lie worked
hard to secure a paying business, but when success
had crowned his efforts his store was burned and
he lost �1,800. Subsequently he came to Solomon
City, where he again established a drug-store. He
here met with prosperity, and later opened branch
stores in Gypsum City and Abilene. He had a fine
store and stock of goods in this place, and by his
fair and honest dealing and courteous treatment of
his customers won a liberal patronage.
Mr. Lewis was married in Independence, July 5,
1884, to Miss Maud Williams, who died May 4,
1886. Unto them was born a son, Elmer Ellsworth,
who is now with his grandmother, Mrs. A. C. Williams,
in Kansas City.
Mr. Lewis was an active member of the Odd
Fellows' society and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He was also a member of the State
Board of Pharmacy and usually held some of its
offices. As a business man he was enterprising and
progressive, and had the confidence and good-will
of all. He was highly respected throughout the
community and his friends were indeed many.
About a year prior to his death his health necessitated
his withdrawal from business and he visited
many health resorts all over this country, hoping
to be benefited thereby, but he who had overcome
obstacles, business disadvantages and trials, had to
succumb to the Dread Destroyer. He passed away
on the 7th of March, 1889. H. Whitley and his
family kindly opened their home to him, and surrounded
by all the care and attention of these
friends and the loving care of his father, his last
days were quietly passed. He died in the full assurance
of a life beyond the grave, and expressed
this hope to his friends before he dropped asleep
for the last time. The funeral services were conducted
by the Rev. F. M. Porch, of the Lutheran
Church of Abilene, who was assisted by Revs. Reddick
and Hollen. The members of the Knights of
Pythias and the United Workmen lodges attended
the funeral in a body and a great concourse of
friends and neighbors came to express their sorrow
and sympathy.
�His life is now beyond
The reach of death or change.
Not ended but begun."
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for
Dickinson County KS AHGP