Philip Lewis
The history of Madison County would be incomplete without a brief sketch of the career of Philip Lewis, who, during the first thirty years of his residence therein, took a leading place in its affairs. He was born in Pennsylvania about 1778, his infancy being passed in the midst of the eventful days of the Revolutionary war. His father's name was also Philip, and about 1796 the family removed to the Northwest Territory and settled in Adams County, on the Ohio River. Here our subject attained his manhood, and in the session of 1804-05, represented Adams County in the Ohio Legislature. In 1805-06, and 1806-07, his father was one of the Legislature members from that county, and was succeeded by Philip, Jr., in 1807—08. Thus, prior to his coming to Madison County, he was one of the rising young men of the Scioto Valley. He was married, in Adams County, July 4, 1805, to Miss Nancy Umble, and in 1809 located temporarily on Deer Creek, in what is now Somerford Township, Madison Co., Ohio. His stay there was brief, for we find upon record that he was appointed Director in the summer of 1810, to lay off the county seat for the newly organized county, and call the same Madison. The plat of this town bears date of having been certified to November 13, 1810, but its exact location is a matter of dispute. It, however, was short lived, being legally displaced by London, which was laid out by Patrick McLene the following year. To Philip and Nancy Lewis were born the following children: Betsy, who married Dr. Aquilla Toland; Alithea, became the wife of Samuel N. Kerr; George W; Delilah, who married A. W. Tinder; and Hamilton. Mrs. Lewis died about 1814, and March 8, 1816, he married Abigal Melvin, daughter of John Melvin, of this county. She was born in Tennessee March 25, 1796, and by this union became the mother of seven children, viz.: Augustus. Jane, John, Elias L., Minerva (who married Richard Acton), Joseph R. and Missouri (who became the wife of Thomas Acton).
Soon after London was laid out, Mr. Lewis erected a log tavern, and was engaged as an inn-keeper for nearly forty years. His official life is one of much interest. In 1818, he was appointed Paymaster of the First Regiment, Fourth Brigade, Second Division of the Ohio Militia, and we presume it was on account of holding this position that in subsequent years lie bore the title of "Colonel." In 1814-15, he served as County Collector; was Sheriff in 1815-16, and County Commissioner in 1817-18. He represented the Madison County District in the Ohio Legislature, in 1824-25, 1825-26 and 1826-27; and in 1832-33 and 1833-34, he occupied a seat in the Senate. He filled many of the minor offices in the township, such as Justice of the Peace, etc., and throughout his official career his ability, honor and integrity, were never questioned. Generous to a fault, he was not a successful money-getter, but if to be a kind husband, an indulgent father, a warm and faithful friend, an efficient public officer, and an honest man, is worthy of record, then indeed does the life of Philip Lewis deserve a place in the pages of history. He died June 28, 1851, and was interred with Masonic honors, of which order he was a member, in the old Methodist Graveyard, but was subsequently re-interred at Oak Hill Cemetery. His widow survived him until May 8, 1878, when she, too, passed away, and was laid to rest beside the companion of her earlier years.
From History of Madison County - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]