Ogle County Republican, December 19, 1901, p 1

The Summons Came

Comrade Charles Lewis Answers the Last Roll Call Charles Lewis was born in Herkimer Co., New York in Sept., 1828 and died in Oregon, Ill., Dec. 17th, 1901. The deceased has resided in Ogle county for many years, leaving his home in the east while yet in his teens, in 1847, he came to this vicinity where he found the sturdy pioneer life suited to his disposition and was not long in making up his mind to commence at once to build a home for himself. Being under age he was unable to enter a homestead from the government but purchased a piece of land in Rockvale township. After a residence of two years in this vidinity he returned to his eastern home and soon thereafter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clancy. After marriage the family home was made in the east for two years, when Mr. Lewis returned to Illinois with his wife and infant daughter and settled in Rockvale, where for many years the family home was made. Mr. Lewis was among the early citizens to offer his services in defense of his country during the dark days of '61 to '65 and saw three years hard service as a member of Co. M, 17th Ill. Cavalry, entering the service as a private and promoted to sergeant in recognition of his merits as a brave, competent soldier.
After the close of the war he returned to his home and family and soon became identified as among the most progressive farmers of the county; a man of keen judgment and excellent executive ability he prospered in advance of many of his neighbors. His wife departed this life about 14 years ago, soon after which he left the farm and has made his home with his daughters and passed a part of it among his early friends and relatives back in New York. About a week ago he was stricken with pneumonia, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jacob Swingley, from which he failed to rally and death came, as noted above. In addition to Mrs. Swingley, the deceased leaves three other daughters, Mrs. A. J. Domer, of Seneca, Kan,; Mrs. Oscar Swingley, of Rockvale, and Mrs. Wm. Haney, of Manson Iowa, all of whom were in attendance at the funeral service, except Mrs. Haney, who was unable to leave her family of little folks at this time. The funeral service will be conducted today at 10:30 from the Stone church by Elder S. J. Lindsay, after which burial will be made at the Silver Creek Cemetery by the side of his wife and two children who have preceded him to the other world.

Ogle County Reporter, December 18, 1901, p 1

A PIONEER SUMMONED

Charles Lewis, Who Came to This Section in the Early 40's, Is No More. Charles Lewis, a pioneer of Ogle county, died Tuesday morning at 4 o'clock at the home of his son-in-law, Dr. J. G. Swingley, in this city. He was taken ill about a week ago with pneumonia, which together with his advanced age, resulted in his death. Mr. Lewis was about 74 years of age and the greater part of his life has been spent in Ogle County. He came to this section in the early 40's and for many years engaged in farming in Rockvale Township. He was among the early settlers of that township and at one time owned about 300 acres of land. For the past ten or twelve years, since the death of his wife, he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Swingley, in this city. The deceased enjoyed a large acquaintance through the county and he had many friends. He is survived by four daughters, all of whom are married. They are Alice Swingley, residing north of Oregon, Ida Domer and Minnie Haney, both of Kansas, and Addie Swingley, of this city. A brother, Alfred Lewis, resides at Syracuse, N. Y.
Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the Stone church. Elder S. J. Lindsay to officiate. Interment will be at Silver Creek Cemetery.

Submitted by Mabry Benson

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