James T. Lewis

James Taylor Lewis (October 30, 1819 – August 5, 1904) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the ninth governor of Wisconsin (1864–1866). Prior to his election as governor, he was the seventh secretary of State of Wisconsin (1862–1864) and the fourth lieutenant governor of Wisconsin (1854–1856), and served one year each in the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly (1852).

Early life Lewis was born in Clarendon in Orleans County, New York, to Shubael Lewis and his first wife, Eleanor (née Robertson). His father was a farmer and colonel in the New York State militia, and came to own large estates in New York and Wisconsin Territory. James Lewis was the third of four sons, his brothers were William L. Lewis, Shubael R. Lewis, and Hiram W. Lewis. His mother died in 1834, and his father's second wife, Parna Nichols, assisted in raising him.

He received a common school education and completed a course of English and classical study at Clarkson Academy and Clinton Seminary. He was interested from an early age in military affairs, and participated in the New York Militia. He was made a sergeant in 1838, and, in 1840, was made a lieutenant in the 215th Regiment. In 1842, he began studying law at Clarkson, New York, under Henry R. Selden, and was concerned during his tenure with providing sufficient troops for the Civil War and helping to protect them and their dependents. He visited troops in the field and helped establish hospitals in Wisconsin for the care of the wounded. Refusing renomination in 1865, he was offered a diplomatic post by President Lincoln, but chose instead to return to his law practice in Columbus.

Death and legacy Lewis died in Columbus, Wisconsin, on August 4, 1904.

Family life Lewis married Orlina M. Sturgis, of Clarkson, New York, in 1845. They had four children together, though their first son died in infancy. He named his second son Selden, in honor of his law instructor, Henry R. Selden. His third son, Charles, was named for Charles D. Robinson.

His elder brother, Shubael R. Lewis, won esteem at the Battle of Chapultepec in the Mexican–American War.