Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1908 — WHITSEL LEWIS IS AN OLD SETTLER. [ARTICLE]

WHITSEL LEWIS IS AN OLD SETTLER.

There are very few earlier settlers now living in this county than Whitsel Lewis of this city. Mr. Lewis came to this county, or to be precise about it, what is now Newton county, in 184 9 with his parents Joseph and Eda Huntington Lewis. His father entered the 40 acres just west south of the homestead residence of Benj. Harris, sr., in Newton county. This same 40 acres was made famous by a later

occupant, Warner G. Smoot, who was a resident of this city for many years and who was one of the most uncompromising democrats that ever happened. Whitsel was 13 years old when he came to this county, and his parents being poor, as were all the other early settlers, he had to endure the hardships of pioneer life, which included homespun clothes and no shoes, except when the weather was so cold that some covering was absolutely necessary.

His father was a great hunter, and at that time game was very plentiful, especially deer, so. Whitsell would jump on the old m&re and ride through the timber south of the cabin, to chase the deer out into the opening where his father could get a shot at them, and many a one stopped short at the crack of the old long barreled rifle, his carcass to furnish food and his hide clothes and shoes for these pioneers of civilization. In 1860 Mr. Lewis was married In the old barn now standing on the old Stephen Nowels farm, at present owned by William Bennett, just west of town on the poor farm road. He recently had a photograph made of this barn, the outside appearance of which is about the same as it was 48 years ago.

We can afford it and will sell you high grade clothes and shoes at lowest prices. CHICAGO BARGAIN STORE.