Background
Lewis was born in Clarendon, New New York
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James Taylor
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Career
He taught school briefly and went on to study law with former New York Governor Henry R. Seldon. In 1845 he moved to Columbus, Wisconsin, where he was admitted to the Barometer Lewis held the positions of district attorney and county judge, and he was elected to terms in both the Wisconsin State Assembly and the State Senate.
He was also a member or the Constitutional Convention of 1847-1848 representing Columbia County.
He also served as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin from 1854 to 1856, Wisconsin secretary of state from 1862 to 1864, Nominaated by the Union Republicans for Governor, Lewis was elected and served as Governor of the state of Wisconsin from January 6, 1864 – January 5, 1866. He was the last Wisconsin governor to hold the office during the Civil War. and was concerned during his tenure with providing sufficient troops for the Civil War and helping to protect them and their dependents.
He visited troops in the field and helped establish hospitals in Wisconsin for the care of the wounded. Refusing renomination in 1865, he was offered a diplomatic post by President Lincoln, but chose instead to return to his law practice in Columbus.
Lewis died in Columbus, Wisconsin, on August 4, 1904 (age 84 years, 279 days).
He is interred at Hillside Cemetery, Columbus, Columbia County,Wisconsin. His former home, now known as the Government. James T. Lewis House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Born
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Died
August 5, 1893 (aged 73) -
Nationality
United States -
Political Party
Republican party