Biographical Sketches
JOHN R. LEWIS, M. D.
Was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, October 28, 1831, and is a representative of one of the old families of that state. His grandfather, Thomas Walker Lewis, was a native of Virginia, and was of Scotch and Welsh descent. He made farming his life work and always lived in the Old Dominion, his death occurring there at an advanced age. His wife survived him for a number of years and died in Missouri.
Charles T. Lewis, the father of the Doctor, was born on the old family homestead, and became a large plantation farmer and the owner of about 50 slaves. He was joined in wedlock with Mary Quarles, also a native of Virginia, as was her father, William Quarles, an old-time planter of that state descended from Welsh ancestry. In 1835 Charles T. Lewis brought his family to Missouri and first located in Cooper county, near Booneville. His death occurred in 1854, at the age of 54 years, and his wife passed away at the ripe old age of 86. He served in the war of 1812, where his meritorious service won him promotion to the rank of colonel. In religious belief he was a Universalist, while his wife was connected with the Baptist church. Their family numbered 12 children, -- 5 sons and 7 daughters, of whom 5 are now living, namely - Eliza, widow of John R. William, Charles Quarles; John R.; Emma, wife of Thomas W. Davis; and Helen, wife of J. R. Mills.
The Doctor was a child of only 5 years when his parents came to Missouri, and his residence in this state covers a period of 59 years. He began his education in one of the old-time district schools of Cooper county, but is now a man of broad general information. He prepared himself for the practice of medicine, by a course in the St. Louis Medical College, where he was graduated in 1855. He began practice in Cooper, but after a short time removed to Ridge Prairie in Saline county, where he practiced for 25 years. On the expiration of that period he took up his residence in St. Joseph, where he remained for 5 years, when on account of failing health he came to Kansas City and opened a drug store in this place in January, 1893. He also to some extent engaged in general practice. He has a well appointed store, and has secured from the public a well merited patronage.
On the 30th of September, 1857, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Texanna O. Johnson, daughter of Captain Colin Johnson, who served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Her mother was Mary Ellis Johnson. Eight children were born of this union - 6 sons and 2 daughters, but Colin and Meriweather are now deceased. Charles Thornton, the eldest, married Miss Rebecca B. Wallace and resides in Kansas City. They have 4 children - Blanche, Texanna, Mamie and Charles T. John R. married Miss Louise Quarles, and resides in Kansas City. He is associated with his father in the drug business, and his family numbers 2 children - Ruth, John R., Jr. (3rd) James E. married Miss Mary Horton, and is living in Decatur, Texas, where he is operating a cotton-seed-oil mill and also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Emslie is a traveling salesman, representing a wholesale dry-goods house. Marie is engaged in teaching instrumental and vocal music. In this art the young lady is very highly accomplished. She is a pupil of Prof. Philip B. Perry, a composer of some note. Annie, also studying vocal and instrumental music, completes the family. They have a pleasant residence located at No. 2207 E. 8th Street, and the drug store is situated at No. 1920 E. 10th Street.
The Doctor and his wife are members of the Olive Street Baptist church. In politics he has always been a democrat, and though deeply interested in the success and growth of his party he has never been an office-seeker.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.