| Notes |
- Daily Local News
Friday, September 7, 1934
Samuel J. Lewis
In the death of Samuel J. Lewis, which occurred at his home on South Church Street, shortly before noon yesterday, West Chester loses one of its oldest residents, and the Methodist Episcopal Church one who had been for many years a leading member and official.
Mr. Lewis who was in his 90th year, was born in Berks County, near Reading, where his early life was spent. He was a son of Thomas and Ellen R. Lewis. He was educated at Millersville state Normal School.
Coming to West Chester in 1872, he engaged in the ice business, and later in partnership with his brother, Levi, conducted a milk route, with depot on East Washington Street. A number of years ago, this business was discontinued and Samuel engaged as a florist on property owned by him on South Church street. He delighted in the flowers and vegetables he raised, and those growing now were planted and cared for by him until ill health made it impossible for him to visit his well-kept gardens. Loving flowers, he was unusually successful in their culture.
Of Quaker ancestry, early in life he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he continued active throughout his life. For more than fifty years he had taught a class of young men in the Sunday School, maintaining an interest in his "boys" long after they had passed to other activities. In the enforced absence of his pastor, Rev. Elias B. Baker, the funeral service will be conducted by one of his former pupils, Rev. Howard N. reeves, Jr., now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cochranville while others will serve as pall-bearers.
Mr. Lewis was at one time a member of the Board of Trustees of the church, and until his passing continued as a member of the Board of Stewards. He had served as President of the Brotherhood; Always interested in reform movements, e took an active part in the No-License campaigns and in evangelistic work. For many years he was responsible for the weekly services held at the Chester County Prison.
For years Mr. Lewis had supplied the ushers of the Methodist Church with boutonnieres from his gardens every Sunday morning.
He married Miss Marian Preston, of West Grove, who survives. The couple celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding three years ago. One daughter, Ellen B., who holds a position in a bank in Guayaquil, Ecquador (sic), survives. A son, Chester P., died in young manhood, leaving a widow. There is one grandchild and two great-grandchildren living near Towanda.
His brother, Levi, died several years ago, and two sisters, Martha and Catharine, are also deceased.
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1844 - 1934 (89 years)
