Col. Samuel S. Lewis was an early Texas settler and congressman. He was born to a John Lewis and Sarah Martin on July 4, 1784. There is a controversy by family and other genealogist as to his exact family linage.
Samuel married Sarah "Sally" LEMASTER in Henry County, Kentucky, on August 7, 1804.
They moved to Indiana where their seven children were born. Five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state.
Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana, and served with the Indiana militia in the War of 1812.
In the mid-1820's the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Samuel became justice of the peace. He sent his slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830 and followed with his family in 1832.
By 1835 Samuel & Sarah and his sons, Martin Baty Lewis and John Taylor Lewis, had settled their families in the Bevil municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel Lewis served as Lieutenant Colonel in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and participated in the siege of Bexar in 1835.
He was a Bevil delegate to the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic of Texas.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic".
Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, Republic of Texas.
Wife: Sarah "Sally" Lemaster , 1785 – 1858
Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Martin Baty "MB" Lewis, 1806 – 1884
John Taylor Lewis,1808 – 1892
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
William McFarland Lewis,1817 – 1891
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
(bio by: Terry Lee Cochran )
This memorial is a written tribute to my gggg Grandfather... Col Samuel S. Lewis
By Terry Lee Cochran
2013 TxSGS District #5 Representative
2020-2021 TxSGS District M Representative
Texas State Genealogy Society
[email protected]
Col. Samuel S. Lewis Biography
Colonel Samuel S. Lewis was born July 4, 1784 in Amherst, Virginia. On August 7, 1804 he was married to Sarah LeMaster in Henry County, Kentucky. They soon moved to Indiana where their seven children were born, five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state. Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana and served with the Indiana Militia in the War of 1812 in Capt. Peyton's Co., Ind MTD MIL.
Samuel and Sarah moved to Clark County, IN. Sarah was a sister to James Lemaster who married Nancy Kimberlin, and it is possible that Samuel and Sarah were at Kimberlin blockhouse. The Lewis family remained in Clark County until after 1810, then moved to Orange County where Samuel laid out the town of Orleans, IN. The original plan shows it was signed by Samuel Lewis and William McFarland on March 1, 1815 as owners of the land. The Batttle of New Orleans was the inspiration for choosing the name. In 1965, Orleans, IN celebrated its sesqui-centennial. Their history records it to be the oldest town in Orange County and states: "The first house was built by Samuel Lewis, and as saw mills had not yet found their way to this frontier, it was made of logs, and was used as a tavern for several years, where the wants of the weary pilgrims to this Western World could be supplied, and where at night before a blazing fire they were beguiled with the marvelous stories of the new country's wonders and adventure. In 1817 Samuel Lewis built the first brick building there."
In the mid-1820s, the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Lewis became a Justice of the Peace. In his certificate of character, he states that he came to Texas in March 1832, but he sent some of has slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830. This was probably to prepare fields and buildings for the arrival of the family.
The Lewis Plantation was on Indian Creek between the communities of Bevilport and Peachtree, but his post
office address was Zavalla in Angelina County. The other part of his grant was east of Cow Creek and south
of the Biloxi community.
The Convention of 1832 named Lewis to the Subcommittee of Safety, Vigilance, and Correspondence for the Snow River (later Bevil) District, and he represented Jasper County as Senator in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic.
By 1835, he and his sons, Martin Baty and John Taylor Lewis had settled their families in the Bevil Municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel S. Lewis served in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1882 in Melton McQueen's company with Col. Bullock, as Lieutenant Colonel and participated in the siege of San Antonio de Bexar in 1835. Col. Lewis and his son Martin received bounty land on Cow Creek for their service. Sam Houston signed a grant for one-half league land in Jasper County.
He was a Bevil delegate in the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the first and second Congress of The Republic of Texas. He died between the end of the regular session of the Second congress, December 17, 1837, and the beginning of the adjourned session, February 23, 1838.
Col. Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, The Republic of Texas. A notation found in an old ledger reads: "Samuel S. Lewis, Sen. died on his own plantation in his own dwelling house in Jasper county, Texas, Feb. 10th, 9 o'clock A.D. 1838 being 53 years 7 months and 6 days of age".
The eldest son was Martin B. Lewis, who was born in Indiana, as were all his children. A surveyor by profession, he acquired thousands of acres of land, one league of which is the west bank of Cow Creek near Bleakwood. Singletary Bridge touches his survey. Martin B. Lewis was Captain of a cavalry company that had a part in the Siege of Bexar December 5-9, 1835, and he was Jasper County's third chief justice under The Republic of Texas.
He was also chief justice at the time of Annexation, and it was he who presided over the organization of Newton
County and ordered her first elections. Lewis followed the Gold Rush to California after 1850, but some of his children, already married and settled in their own homes, remained in Texas.
The second eldest son was John T. Lewis, who was a Second Lieutenant in his brother's cavalry company during the Siege at Bexar. His grant of land is east of Kirbyville in Newton County. Today many of John T. Lewis's descendants live in the Bleakwood area.
The youngest son of Colonel Lewis was William McFarland, who was named for his father's old friend and business associate, the alcalde of Ayish Bayou District, and was known as McF and Mack Lewis. His grant of land is located on the Sabine River south of the present town of Bon Wier, adjoining the ghost town of Belgrade on the north.
Mack Lewis and his older brother, Martin Baty Lewis., laid out the town site, Upper Belgrade, in the southeast corner of the
former's league, and today the area is still a populous and widespread, though scattered, community bearing the
name Upper Belgrade. After the demise of Belgrade, the post office, discontinued about 1936, was moved to Upper
Belgrade.
Other Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
The following was written by: Ruby Boyett Burkett, August 12, 2004
Samuel S. Lewis and Sarah LeMaster Lewis, our ancestors, were an adventuresome couple who, seeking for better things for their family and to help make America a better place to live dared to pull up stakes and move on until they found what they felt was the answer to their dreams. They had been married on August 12, 1804, in Henry County,Kentucky at the home of her parents John and Sarah Vest LeMaster. A Methodist minister, the Reverend, Benjamin Whitson performed the ceremony. Samuel contributed so much to Jasper County and the state of Texas and will forever be remembered for those contributions. Samuel S. Lewis, Senator died on his own Plantation, in his own home in Jasper County, Texas on February 10, 1838 at 9:00 O'clock P M, at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 6 days of age. He was not an old man but had lived his short life to the fullest. What a Man! Sarah died in 1858 at Bevilport in Jasper County.Excerpt from a letter written by Hettie Cochran to her mother Martha Percival Cochran on January 10, 1858. She writes: Grandmother Lewis (wife of Samuel Lewis) is very ill, they do not think she will live, tell her children if you see any of them.
In closing, some family members and historians think Samuel S Lewis was from an early Lewis line which had come to America from Ireland or Scotland and settled in Virginia. In a transcript of a biography told by Andrew Jackson Best (grandson of Martin B. and Nancy Lewis and John P. Best Sr.)., he states Samuel was probably the brother-in-law of George Washington. Also that he was the g grandson of General Andrew Lewis, a hero of the Revolutionary War who fought along side of General George Washington.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic of Texas".
Note 01:
"New Handbook of Texas", The Texas State Historical Association Lewis, Samuel S. (1784-1838). Samuel S. Lewis, early Texas settler and congressman, was born to John and Sarah Lewis on July 4, 1784. [correction note added that states his parents were Samuel L. and Esther Whitley--see "The Family of John Lewis, Pioneer" by Irvin Frazier]
Note 02:
"Journal of the Coincidence Acts of Thomas S. McFarland" 29th of Jan.--Col. S. S. Lewis arrived here today, have not yet seen him, as I was away from home (in search of horses which I had feared was stolen,) he went to stay with Dr. Lawhon where his lady was staying for some days previously. On my return from the woods in company with my Br Saml--the dogs engaged in a fight, which was truly sanguinary, and rough..............
A notation dated Jan. 30, 1837: Visited Col. Lewis yesterday at Dr. Lawhon's--was pleased to see the old gentleman--obtained some information concerning the acts of Congress, of which he is a member. He has presented me with a very handsome pipe of German manufacture, made of porcelain, gold and buffalo horn, and well finished in every part. I was much pleased with this handsome mark of friendship and token of esteem. Col. Lewis left his for home this morning with Madam Lewis.
Note 03:
"Newton County Nuggets", compiler Pauline Hines, 1986 Samuel Lewis signed a marriage bond on 7 August 1804 in Henry County and married Sarah LeMaster on 12 August at the home of John and Sarah Vest Lemaster. Rev. Benjamin Whitson, a Methodist minister, tied the knot.
Note 04.
The Nacogdoches, Texas historical marker is quite a family honor. Seeing my 4th great grandfather, COL Samuel S. Lewis and his son MAJ Martin Baty Lewis on the same historical marker as COL James (Jim) Bowie. Also the same three men fought together at the Siege of Bexar in 1835 prior to the Battle of The Alamo. By Terry Lee Cochran
Note 05. As stated, Martin Baty Lewis (MBL) 1845 - 1847 Journal his parents were John and Sarah with no further lineage written. In the Davis Family Tree (Helen Hamby's Family) states that his parents were John L Lewis (1755 - 1820) born in Amherst Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. and his mother was Sarah Mary Martin (1755 - 1815), born in Greenbrier, Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. This is a Lewis Family mystery as to who were his exact parents and family lineage.
Samuel married Sarah "Sally" LEMASTER in Henry County, Kentucky, on August 7, 1804.
They moved to Indiana where their seven children were born. Five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state.
Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana, and served with the Indiana militia in the War of 1812.
In the mid-1820's the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Samuel became justice of the peace. He sent his slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830 and followed with his family in 1832.
By 1835 Samuel & Sarah and his sons, Martin Baty Lewis and John Taylor Lewis, had settled their families in the Bevil municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel Lewis served as Lieutenant Colonel in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and participated in the siege of Bexar in 1835.
He was a Bevil delegate to the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic of Texas.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic".
Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, Republic of Texas.
Wife: Sarah "Sally" Lemaster , 1785 – 1858
Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Martin Baty "MB" Lewis, 1806 – 1884
John Taylor Lewis,1808 – 1892
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
William McFarland Lewis,1817 – 1891
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
(bio by: Terry Lee Cochran )
This memorial is a written tribute to my gggg Grandfather... Col Samuel S. Lewis
By Terry Lee Cochran
2013 TxSGS District #5 Representative
2020-2021 TxSGS District M Representative
Texas State Genealogy Society
[email protected]
Col. Samuel S. Lewis Biography
Colonel Samuel S. Lewis was born July 4, 1784 in Amherst, Virginia. On August 7, 1804 he was married to Sarah LeMaster in Henry County, Kentucky. They soon moved to Indiana where their seven children were born, five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state. Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana and served with the Indiana Militia in the War of 1812 in Capt. Peyton's Co., Ind MTD MIL.
Samuel and Sarah moved to Clark County, IN. Sarah was a sister to James Lemaster who married Nancy Kimberlin, and it is possible that Samuel and Sarah were at Kimberlin blockhouse. The Lewis family remained in Clark County until after 1810, then moved to Orange County where Samuel laid out the town of Orleans, IN. The original plan shows it was signed by Samuel Lewis and William McFarland on March 1, 1815 as owners of the land. The Batttle of New Orleans was the inspiration for choosing the name. In 1965, Orleans, IN celebrated its sesqui-centennial. Their history records it to be the oldest town in Orange County and states: "The first house was built by Samuel Lewis, and as saw mills had not yet found their way to this frontier, it was made of logs, and was used as a tavern for several years, where the wants of the weary pilgrims to this Western World could be supplied, and where at night before a blazing fire they were beguiled with the marvelous stories of the new country's wonders and adventure. In 1817 Samuel Lewis built the first brick building there."
In the mid-1820s, the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Lewis became a Justice of the Peace. In his certificate of character, he states that he came to Texas in March 1832, but he sent some of has slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830. This was probably to prepare fields and buildings for the arrival of the family.
The Lewis Plantation was on Indian Creek between the communities of Bevilport and Peachtree, but his post
office address was Zavalla in Angelina County. The other part of his grant was east of Cow Creek and south
of the Biloxi community.
The Convention of 1832 named Lewis to the Subcommittee of Safety, Vigilance, and Correspondence for the Snow River (later Bevil) District, and he represented Jasper County as Senator in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic.
By 1835, he and his sons, Martin Baty and John Taylor Lewis had settled their families in the Bevil Municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel S. Lewis served in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1882 in Melton McQueen's company with Col. Bullock, as Lieutenant Colonel and participated in the siege of San Antonio de Bexar in 1835. Col. Lewis and his son Martin received bounty land on Cow Creek for their service. Sam Houston signed a grant for one-half league land in Jasper County.
He was a Bevil delegate in the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the first and second Congress of The Republic of Texas. He died between the end of the regular session of the Second congress, December 17, 1837, and the beginning of the adjourned session, February 23, 1838.
Col. Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, The Republic of Texas. A notation found in an old ledger reads: "Samuel S. Lewis, Sen. died on his own plantation in his own dwelling house in Jasper county, Texas, Feb. 10th, 9 o'clock A.D. 1838 being 53 years 7 months and 6 days of age".
The eldest son was Martin B. Lewis, who was born in Indiana, as were all his children. A surveyor by profession, he acquired thousands of acres of land, one league of which is the west bank of Cow Creek near Bleakwood. Singletary Bridge touches his survey. Martin B. Lewis was Captain of a cavalry company that had a part in the Siege of Bexar December 5-9, 1835, and he was Jasper County's third chief justice under The Republic of Texas.
He was also chief justice at the time of Annexation, and it was he who presided over the organization of Newton
County and ordered her first elections. Lewis followed the Gold Rush to California after 1850, but some of his children, already married and settled in their own homes, remained in Texas.
The second eldest son was John T. Lewis, who was a Second Lieutenant in his brother's cavalry company during the Siege at Bexar. His grant of land is east of Kirbyville in Newton County. Today many of John T. Lewis's descendants live in the Bleakwood area.
The youngest son of Colonel Lewis was William McFarland, who was named for his father's old friend and business associate, the alcalde of Ayish Bayou District, and was known as McF and Mack Lewis. His grant of land is located on the Sabine River south of the present town of Bon Wier, adjoining the ghost town of Belgrade on the north.
Mack Lewis and his older brother, Martin Baty Lewis., laid out the town site, Upper Belgrade, in the southeast corner of the
former's league, and today the area is still a populous and widespread, though scattered, community bearing the
name Upper Belgrade. After the demise of Belgrade, the post office, discontinued about 1936, was moved to Upper
Belgrade.
Other Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
The following was written by: Ruby Boyett Burkett, August 12, 2004
Samuel S. Lewis and Sarah LeMaster Lewis, our ancestors, were an adventuresome couple who, seeking for better things for their family and to help make America a better place to live dared to pull up stakes and move on until they found what they felt was the answer to their dreams. They had been married on August 12, 1804, in Henry County,Kentucky at the home of her parents John and Sarah Vest LeMaster. A Methodist minister, the Reverend, Benjamin Whitson performed the ceremony. Samuel contributed so much to Jasper County and the state of Texas and will forever be remembered for those contributions. Samuel S. Lewis, Senator died on his own Plantation, in his own home in Jasper County, Texas on February 10, 1838 at 9:00 O'clock P M, at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 6 days of age. He was not an old man but had lived his short life to the fullest. What a Man! Sarah died in 1858 at Bevilport in Jasper County.Excerpt from a letter written by Hettie Cochran to her mother Martha Percival Cochran on January 10, 1858. She writes: Grandmother Lewis (wife of Samuel Lewis) is very ill, they do not think she will live, tell her children if you see any of them.
In closing, some family members and historians think Samuel S Lewis was from an early Lewis line which had come to America from Ireland or Scotland and settled in Virginia. In a transcript of a biography told by Andrew Jackson Best (grandson of Martin B. and Nancy Lewis and John P. Best Sr.)., he states Samuel was probably the brother-in-law of George Washington. Also that he was the g grandson of General Andrew Lewis, a hero of the Revolutionary War who fought along side of General George Washington.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic of Texas".
Note 01:
"New Handbook of Texas", The Texas State Historical Association Lewis, Samuel S. (1784-1838). Samuel S. Lewis, early Texas settler and congressman, was born to John and Sarah Lewis on July 4, 1784. [correction note added that states his parents were Samuel L. and Esther Whitley--see "The Family of John Lewis, Pioneer" by Irvin Frazier]
Note 02:
"Journal of the Coincidence Acts of Thomas S. McFarland" 29th of Jan.--Col. S. S. Lewis arrived here today, have not yet seen him, as I was away from home (in search of horses which I had feared was stolen,) he went to stay with Dr. Lawhon where his lady was staying for some days previously. On my return from the woods in company with my Br Saml--the dogs engaged in a fight, which was truly sanguinary, and rough..............
A notation dated Jan. 30, 1837: Visited Col. Lewis yesterday at Dr. Lawhon's--was pleased to see the old gentleman--obtained some information concerning the acts of Congress, of which he is a member. He has presented me with a very handsome pipe of German manufacture, made of porcelain, gold and buffalo horn, and well finished in every part. I was much pleased with this handsome mark of friendship and token of esteem. Col. Lewis left his for home this morning with Madam Lewis.
Note 03:
"Newton County Nuggets", compiler Pauline Hines, 1986 Samuel Lewis signed a marriage bond on 7 August 1804 in Henry County and married Sarah LeMaster on 12 August at the home of John and Sarah Vest Lemaster. Rev. Benjamin Whitson, a Methodist minister, tied the knot.
Note 04.
The Nacogdoches, Texas historical marker is quite a family honor. Seeing my 4th great grandfather, COL Samuel S. Lewis and his son MAJ Martin Baty Lewis on the same historical marker as COL James (Jim) Bowie. Also the same three men fought together at the Siege of Bexar in 1835 prior to the Battle of The Alamo. By Terry Lee Cochran
Note 05. As stated, Martin Baty Lewis (MBL) 1845 - 1847 Journal his parents were John and Sarah with no further lineage written. In the Davis Family Tree (Helen Hamby's Family) states that his parents were John L Lewis (1755 - 1820) born in Amherst Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. and his mother was Sarah Mary Martin (1755 - 1815), born in Greenbrier, Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. This is a Lewis Family mystery as to who were his exact parents and family lineage.
Col. Samuel S. Lewis was an early Texas settler and congressman. He was born to a John Lewis and Sarah Martin on July 4, 1784. There is a controversy by family and other genealogist as to his exact family linage.
Samuel married Sarah "Sally" LEMASTER in Henry County, Kentucky, on August 7, 1804.
They moved to Indiana where their seven children were born. Five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state.
Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana, and served with the Indiana militia in the War of 1812.
In the mid-1820's the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Samuel became justice of the peace. He sent his slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830 and followed with his family in 1832.
By 1835 Samuel & Sarah and his sons, Martin Baty Lewis and John Taylor Lewis, had settled their families in the Bevil municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel Lewis served as Lieutenant Colonel in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and participated in the siege of Bexar in 1835.
He was a Bevil delegate to the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic of Texas.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic".
Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, Republic of Texas.
Wife: Sarah "Sally" Lemaster , 1785 – 1858
Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Martin Baty "MB" Lewis, 1806 – 1884
John Taylor Lewis,1808 – 1892
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
William McFarland Lewis,1817 – 1891
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
(bio by: Terry Lee Cochran )
This memorial is a written tribute to my gggg Grandfather... Col Samuel S. Lewis
By Terry Lee Cochran
2013 TxSGS District #5 Representative
2020-2021 TxSGS District M Representative
Texas State Genealogy Society
[email protected]
Col. Samuel S. Lewis Biography
Colonel Samuel S. Lewis was born July 4, 1784 in Amherst, Virginia. On August 7, 1804 he was married to Sarah LeMaster in Henry County, Kentucky. They soon moved to Indiana where their seven children were born, five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state. Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana and served with the Indiana Militia in the War of 1812 in Capt. Peyton's Co., Ind MTD MIL.
Samuel and Sarah moved to Clark County, IN. Sarah was a sister to James Lemaster who married Nancy Kimberlin, and it is possible that Samuel and Sarah were at Kimberlin blockhouse. The Lewis family remained in Clark County until after 1810, then moved to Orange County where Samuel laid out the town of Orleans, IN. The original plan shows it was signed by Samuel Lewis and William McFarland on March 1, 1815 as owners of the land. The Batttle of New Orleans was the inspiration for choosing the name. In 1965, Orleans, IN celebrated its sesqui-centennial. Their history records it to be the oldest town in Orange County and states: "The first house was built by Samuel Lewis, and as saw mills had not yet found their way to this frontier, it was made of logs, and was used as a tavern for several years, where the wants of the weary pilgrims to this Western World could be supplied, and where at night before a blazing fire they were beguiled with the marvelous stories of the new country's wonders and adventure. In 1817 Samuel Lewis built the first brick building there."
In the mid-1820s, the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Lewis became a Justice of the Peace. In his certificate of character, he states that he came to Texas in March 1832, but he sent some of has slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830. This was probably to prepare fields and buildings for the arrival of the family.
The Lewis Plantation was on Indian Creek between the communities of Bevilport and Peachtree, but his post
office address was Zavalla in Angelina County. The other part of his grant was east of Cow Creek and south
of the Biloxi community.
The Convention of 1832 named Lewis to the Subcommittee of Safety, Vigilance, and Correspondence for the Snow River (later Bevil) District, and he represented Jasper County as Senator in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic.
By 1835, he and his sons, Martin Baty and John Taylor Lewis had settled their families in the Bevil Municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel S. Lewis served in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1882 in Melton McQueen's company with Col. Bullock, as Lieutenant Colonel and participated in the siege of San Antonio de Bexar in 1835. Col. Lewis and his son Martin received bounty land on Cow Creek for their service. Sam Houston signed a grant for one-half league land in Jasper County.
He was a Bevil delegate in the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the first and second Congress of The Republic of Texas. He died between the end of the regular session of the Second congress, December 17, 1837, and the beginning of the adjourned session, February 23, 1838.
Col. Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, The Republic of Texas. A notation found in an old ledger reads: "Samuel S. Lewis, Sen. died on his own plantation in his own dwelling house in Jasper county, Texas, Feb. 10th, 9 o'clock A.D. 1838 being 53 years 7 months and 6 days of age".
The eldest son was Martin B. Lewis, who was born in Indiana, as were all his children. A surveyor by profession, he acquired thousands of acres of land, one league of which is the west bank of Cow Creek near Bleakwood. Singletary Bridge touches his survey. Martin B. Lewis was Captain of a cavalry company that had a part in the Siege of Bexar December 5-9, 1835, and he was Jasper County's third chief justice under The Republic of Texas.
He was also chief justice at the time of Annexation, and it was he who presided over the organization of Newton
County and ordered her first elections. Lewis followed the Gold Rush to California after 1850, but some of his children, already married and settled in their own homes, remained in Texas.
The second eldest son was John T. Lewis, who was a Second Lieutenant in his brother's cavalry company during the Siege at Bexar. His grant of land is east of Kirbyville in Newton County. Today many of John T. Lewis's descendants live in the Bleakwood area.
The youngest son of Colonel Lewis was William McFarland, who was named for his father's old friend and business associate, the alcalde of Ayish Bayou District, and was known as McF and Mack Lewis. His grant of land is located on the Sabine River south of the present town of Bon Wier, adjoining the ghost town of Belgrade on the north.
Mack Lewis and his older brother, Martin Baty Lewis., laid out the town site, Upper Belgrade, in the southeast corner of the
former's league, and today the area is still a populous and widespread, though scattered, community bearing the
name Upper Belgrade. After the demise of Belgrade, the post office, discontinued about 1936, was moved to Upper
Belgrade.
Other Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
The following was written by: Ruby Boyett Burkett, August 12, 2004
Samuel S. Lewis and Sarah LeMaster Lewis, our ancestors, were an adventuresome couple who, seeking for better things for their family and to help make America a better place to live dared to pull up stakes and move on until they found what they felt was the answer to their dreams. They had been married on August 12, 1804, in Henry County,Kentucky at the home of her parents John and Sarah Vest LeMaster. A Methodist minister, the Reverend, Benjamin Whitson performed the ceremony. Samuel contributed so much to Jasper County and the state of Texas and will forever be remembered for those contributions. Samuel S. Lewis, Senator died on his own Plantation, in his own home in Jasper County, Texas on February 10, 1838 at 9:00 O'clock P M, at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 6 days of age. He was not an old man but had lived his short life to the fullest. What a Man! Sarah died in 1858 at Bevilport in Jasper County.Excerpt from a letter written by Hettie Cochran to her mother Martha Percival Cochran on January 10, 1858. She writes: Grandmother Lewis (wife of Samuel Lewis) is very ill, they do not think she will live, tell her children if you see any of them.
In closing, some family members and historians think Samuel S Lewis was from an early Lewis line which had come to America from Ireland or Scotland and settled in Virginia. In a transcript of a biography told by Andrew Jackson Best (grandson of Martin B. and Nancy Lewis and John P. Best Sr.)., he states Samuel was probably the brother-in-law of George Washington. Also that he was the g grandson of General Andrew Lewis, a hero of the Revolutionary War who fought along side of General George Washington.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic of Texas".
Note 01:
"New Handbook of Texas", The Texas State Historical Association Lewis, Samuel S. (1784-1838). Samuel S. Lewis, early Texas settler and congressman, was born to John and Sarah Lewis on July 4, 1784. [correction note added that states his parents were Samuel L. and Esther Whitley--see "The Family of John Lewis, Pioneer" by Irvin Frazier]
Note 02:
"Journal of the Coincidence Acts of Thomas S. McFarland" 29th of Jan.--Col. S. S. Lewis arrived here today, have not yet seen him, as I was away from home (in search of horses which I had feared was stolen,) he went to stay with Dr. Lawhon where his lady was staying for some days previously. On my return from the woods in company with my Br Saml--the dogs engaged in a fight, which was truly sanguinary, and rough..............
A notation dated Jan. 30, 1837: Visited Col. Lewis yesterday at Dr. Lawhon's--was pleased to see the old gentleman--obtained some information concerning the acts of Congress, of which he is a member. He has presented me with a very handsome pipe of German manufacture, made of porcelain, gold and buffalo horn, and well finished in every part. I was much pleased with this handsome mark of friendship and token of esteem. Col. Lewis left his for home this morning with Madam Lewis.
Note 03:
"Newton County Nuggets", compiler Pauline Hines, 1986 Samuel Lewis signed a marriage bond on 7 August 1804 in Henry County and married Sarah LeMaster on 12 August at the home of John and Sarah Vest Lemaster. Rev. Benjamin Whitson, a Methodist minister, tied the knot.
Note 04.
The Nacogdoches, Texas historical marker is quite a family honor. Seeing my 4th great grandfather, COL Samuel S. Lewis and his son MAJ Martin Baty Lewis on the same historical marker as COL James (Jim) Bowie. Also the same three men fought together at the Siege of Bexar in 1835 prior to the Battle of The Alamo. By Terry Lee Cochran
Note 05. As stated, Martin Baty Lewis (MBL) 1845 - 1847 Journal his parents were John and Sarah with no further lineage written. In the Davis Family Tree (Helen Hamby's Family) states that his parents were John L Lewis (1755 - 1820) born in Amherst Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. and his mother was Sarah Mary Martin (1755 - 1815), born in Greenbrier, Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. This is a Lewis Family mystery as to who were his exact parents and family lineage.
Samuel married Sarah "Sally" LEMASTER in Henry County, Kentucky, on August 7, 1804.
They moved to Indiana where their seven children were born. Five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state.
Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana, and served with the Indiana militia in the War of 1812.
In the mid-1820's the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Samuel became justice of the peace. He sent his slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830 and followed with his family in 1832.
By 1835 Samuel & Sarah and his sons, Martin Baty Lewis and John Taylor Lewis, had settled their families in the Bevil municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel Lewis served as Lieutenant Colonel in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and participated in the siege of Bexar in 1835.
He was a Bevil delegate to the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic of Texas.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic".
Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, Republic of Texas.
Wife: Sarah "Sally" Lemaster , 1785 – 1858
Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Martin Baty "MB" Lewis, 1806 – 1884
John Taylor Lewis,1808 – 1892
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
William McFarland Lewis,1817 – 1891
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
(bio by: Terry Lee Cochran )
This memorial is a written tribute to my gggg Grandfather... Col Samuel S. Lewis
By Terry Lee Cochran
2013 TxSGS District #5 Representative
2020-2021 TxSGS District M Representative
Texas State Genealogy Society
[email protected]
Col. Samuel S. Lewis Biography
Colonel Samuel S. Lewis was born July 4, 1784 in Amherst, Virginia. On August 7, 1804 he was married to Sarah LeMaster in Henry County, Kentucky. They soon moved to Indiana where their seven children were born, five in Indiana Territory and two after it became a state. Samuel Lewis founded The Town of Orleans, Indiana and served with the Indiana Militia in the War of 1812 in Capt. Peyton's Co., Ind MTD MIL.
Samuel and Sarah moved to Clark County, IN. Sarah was a sister to James Lemaster who married Nancy Kimberlin, and it is possible that Samuel and Sarah were at Kimberlin blockhouse. The Lewis family remained in Clark County until after 1810, then moved to Orange County where Samuel laid out the town of Orleans, IN. The original plan shows it was signed by Samuel Lewis and William McFarland on March 1, 1815 as owners of the land. The Batttle of New Orleans was the inspiration for choosing the name. In 1965, Orleans, IN celebrated its sesqui-centennial. Their history records it to be the oldest town in Orange County and states: "The first house was built by Samuel Lewis, and as saw mills had not yet found their way to this frontier, it was made of logs, and was used as a tavern for several years, where the wants of the weary pilgrims to this Western World could be supplied, and where at night before a blazing fire they were beguiled with the marvelous stories of the new country's wonders and adventure. In 1817 Samuel Lewis built the first brick building there."
In the mid-1820s, the family moved to Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, where Lewis became a Justice of the Peace. In his certificate of character, he states that he came to Texas in March 1832, but he sent some of has slaves and some of his property to the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas in 1830. This was probably to prepare fields and buildings for the arrival of the family.
The Lewis Plantation was on Indian Creek between the communities of Bevilport and Peachtree, but his post
office address was Zavalla in Angelina County. The other part of his grant was east of Cow Creek and south
of the Biloxi community.
The Convention of 1832 named Lewis to the Subcommittee of Safety, Vigilance, and Correspondence for the Snow River (later Bevil) District, and he represented Jasper County as Senator in the First and Second Congresses of the Republic.
By 1835, he and his sons, Martin Baty and John Taylor Lewis had settled their families in the Bevil Municipality on Indian Creek in what became Jasper County.
Samuel S. Lewis served in the battle of Nacogdoches in 1882 in Melton McQueen's company with Col. Bullock, as Lieutenant Colonel and participated in the siege of San Antonio de Bexar in 1835. Col. Lewis and his son Martin received bounty land on Cow Creek for their service. Sam Houston signed a grant for one-half league land in Jasper County.
He was a Bevil delegate in the consultation of 1835 and Congressman Lewis represented Jasper County in the first and second Congress of The Republic of Texas. He died between the end of the regular session of the Second congress, December 17, 1837, and the beginning of the adjourned session, February 23, 1838.
Col. Samuel S. Lewis died on February 10, 1838, at his plantation in the Bevil district, The Republic of Texas. A notation found in an old ledger reads: "Samuel S. Lewis, Sen. died on his own plantation in his own dwelling house in Jasper county, Texas, Feb. 10th, 9 o'clock A.D. 1838 being 53 years 7 months and 6 days of age".
The eldest son was Martin B. Lewis, who was born in Indiana, as were all his children. A surveyor by profession, he acquired thousands of acres of land, one league of which is the west bank of Cow Creek near Bleakwood. Singletary Bridge touches his survey. Martin B. Lewis was Captain of a cavalry company that had a part in the Siege of Bexar December 5-9, 1835, and he was Jasper County's third chief justice under The Republic of Texas.
He was also chief justice at the time of Annexation, and it was he who presided over the organization of Newton
County and ordered her first elections. Lewis followed the Gold Rush to California after 1850, but some of his children, already married and settled in their own homes, remained in Texas.
The second eldest son was John T. Lewis, who was a Second Lieutenant in his brother's cavalry company during the Siege at Bexar. His grant of land is east of Kirbyville in Newton County. Today many of John T. Lewis's descendants live in the Bleakwood area.
The youngest son of Colonel Lewis was William McFarland, who was named for his father's old friend and business associate, the alcalde of Ayish Bayou District, and was known as McF and Mack Lewis. His grant of land is located on the Sabine River south of the present town of Bon Wier, adjoining the ghost town of Belgrade on the north.
Mack Lewis and his older brother, Martin Baty Lewis., laid out the town site, Upper Belgrade, in the southeast corner of the
former's league, and today the area is still a populous and widespread, though scattered, community bearing the
name Upper Belgrade. After the demise of Belgrade, the post office, discontinued about 1936, was moved to Upper
Belgrade.
Other Children of Samuel and Sarah:
Charlotte Lewis,1810 – 1836
Elizabeth Lewis,1813 – 1859
Julia Ann Lewis,1815 – 1890
Sarah Lewis,1820 – 1820
Malinda Lewis,1824 – 1880
The following was written by: Ruby Boyett Burkett, August 12, 2004
Samuel S. Lewis and Sarah LeMaster Lewis, our ancestors, were an adventuresome couple who, seeking for better things for their family and to help make America a better place to live dared to pull up stakes and move on until they found what they felt was the answer to their dreams. They had been married on August 12, 1804, in Henry County,Kentucky at the home of her parents John and Sarah Vest LeMaster. A Methodist minister, the Reverend, Benjamin Whitson performed the ceremony. Samuel contributed so much to Jasper County and the state of Texas and will forever be remembered for those contributions. Samuel S. Lewis, Senator died on his own Plantation, in his own home in Jasper County, Texas on February 10, 1838 at 9:00 O'clock P M, at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 6 days of age. He was not an old man but had lived his short life to the fullest. What a Man! Sarah died in 1858 at Bevilport in Jasper County.Excerpt from a letter written by Hettie Cochran to her mother Martha Percival Cochran on January 10, 1858. She writes: Grandmother Lewis (wife of Samuel Lewis) is very ill, they do not think she will live, tell her children if you see any of them.
In closing, some family members and historians think Samuel S Lewis was from an early Lewis line which had come to America from Ireland or Scotland and settled in Virginia. In a transcript of a biography told by Andrew Jackson Best (grandson of Martin B. and Nancy Lewis and John P. Best Sr.)., he states Samuel was probably the brother-in-law of George Washington. Also that he was the g grandson of General Andrew Lewis, a hero of the Revolutionary War who fought along side of General George Washington.
Col. Lewis is certified by the Texas State Genealogy Society, as a "First Texas Family" of The Republic Of Texas. Also certified by the Daughter's Of The Republic of Texas and the Son's Of The Republic Of Texas, as a "Citizen Of The Republic of Texas".
Note 01:
"New Handbook of Texas", The Texas State Historical Association Lewis, Samuel S. (1784-1838). Samuel S. Lewis, early Texas settler and congressman, was born to John and Sarah Lewis on July 4, 1784. [correction note added that states his parents were Samuel L. and Esther Whitley--see "The Family of John Lewis, Pioneer" by Irvin Frazier]
Note 02:
"Journal of the Coincidence Acts of Thomas S. McFarland" 29th of Jan.--Col. S. S. Lewis arrived here today, have not yet seen him, as I was away from home (in search of horses which I had feared was stolen,) he went to stay with Dr. Lawhon where his lady was staying for some days previously. On my return from the woods in company with my Br Saml--the dogs engaged in a fight, which was truly sanguinary, and rough..............
A notation dated Jan. 30, 1837: Visited Col. Lewis yesterday at Dr. Lawhon's--was pleased to see the old gentleman--obtained some information concerning the acts of Congress, of which he is a member. He has presented me with a very handsome pipe of German manufacture, made of porcelain, gold and buffalo horn, and well finished in every part. I was much pleased with this handsome mark of friendship and token of esteem. Col. Lewis left his for home this morning with Madam Lewis.
Note 03:
"Newton County Nuggets", compiler Pauline Hines, 1986 Samuel Lewis signed a marriage bond on 7 August 1804 in Henry County and married Sarah LeMaster on 12 August at the home of John and Sarah Vest Lemaster. Rev. Benjamin Whitson, a Methodist minister, tied the knot.
Note 04.
The Nacogdoches, Texas historical marker is quite a family honor. Seeing my 4th great grandfather, COL Samuel S. Lewis and his son MAJ Martin Baty Lewis on the same historical marker as COL James (Jim) Bowie. Also the same three men fought together at the Siege of Bexar in 1835 prior to the Battle of The Alamo. By Terry Lee Cochran
Note 05. As stated, Martin Baty Lewis (MBL) 1845 - 1847 Journal his parents were John and Sarah with no further lineage written. In the Davis Family Tree (Helen Hamby's Family) states that his parents were John L Lewis (1755 - 1820) born in Amherst Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. and his mother was Sarah Mary Martin (1755 - 1815), born in Greenbrier, Virginia and died in Nelson County, Ky. This is a Lewis Family mystery as to who were his exact parents and family lineage.
