Lewis was born in Bavaria/Bayern, Germany. He came to the United States in 1831.

He married Julia M. Zangmeister on May 1, 1853 in Hamilton County, Ohio.

Per the 1860 federal census, they lived in Zanesville, Ohio and he worked as a "tobacconist". They had real estate valued at $800 and personal property valued at $200.

Between 1854 and 1873, they had 10 children, 4 boys and 6 girls. Matilda born in March of 1854 died at 18 months in September of 1855 and Katrinka born in March 1858 died the day before her fourth birthday in March 1862. Eight of the children lived to adulthood.

Between 1870 and 1894, their residence was reflected as Market Street in Zanesville. He worked as a saloon keeper and cigar manufacturer. In 1870, their real estate was valued at $4,500 and personal property at $175.

In 1882, Lewis was ordered to pay Julia $100 per month in alimony. This is per a newspaper article March 16,1896 where she is requesting back alimony that has never been paid as ordered. There is no evidence that they ever divorced and Julia was reflected as married at the time of her death.

Per an 1894 city directory, he and daughter, Amelia are living at the Market St. address. Per an 1896 city directory, he is living at Market street alone and per the 1900 federal census, he is living alone at rented house on North street.

His wife, Julia, passed away in 1908. Per the 1910 federal census, he was living with his daughter Julia Marie Factor, her husband and their 7 children at 768 Elm Street in Zanesville, Ohio.

When he died in 1913, his address was given as Zanesville. His daughter Amelia was the informer. He was 81 years, 11 months and 10 days of age. Cause of death was noted as paralysis of 3 years with contributing factors of old age and senility.