James F. Lewis

James F. Lewis (May 4, 1836 – August 17, 1886) was a Welsh American immigrant, lawyer, and the first Supreme Court of Nevada chief justice, serving on the court from 1864 to 1873. He was also the youngest chief justice in the history of Nevada, having been just 28 years old when he became chief justice.

Biography

Born in Wales in 1836, Lewis and his parents emigrated to the United States before his 4th birthday. They resided in Utica, New York, where he was raised and educated, learning the telegraphy trade. He was hired as the manager of the Racine, Wisconsin, office of the Western Union Telegraph Company and traveled west to Racine with his younger brother, William, in 1855. He educated his brother in telegraphy, and William took over as office manager when Lewis quit to focus on the study of law.

He was re-elected in 1866 and served a full six-year term, retiring from the court after the end of that term in January 1873.

Personal life and family James F. Lewis was a son of William J. Lewis and his wife Jane ( Turnor). James' younger brother, William Turnor Lewis, became a prominent businessman in Racine, Wisconsin, co-founding the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company.

James F. Lewis married Mary Elizabeth Raymond, the eldest daughter of Racine County pioneer Seneca Raymond, in November 1864. Her grandfather was Elisha Raymond, the namesake of Raymond, Wisconsin. They had no known children.