R. J. Lewis
R. J. Lewis | |
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| Born | Reese Jones Lewis |
| Known for | Poetry |
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R. J. Lewis, also known as Judge Lewis, was a Welsh-American poet, philosopher, and judge.[1]
He was a native of Radnorshire, Wales who moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1858.[2][1]
History
Rees Jones Lewis was born August 24, 1831, in Radnorshire, Wales. He was 2 years old when his parents moved to Michigan where he got his education.[1]
Between 1857 and 1858 he practised law in Michigan.[1] On December 24, 1860, he married Mary E. Allison in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He then moved to southwest Missouri, and practised law until May 1861, after which he moved to Fort Scott, Kansas.[1]
On August 24, 1861, during the American Civil War, he enlisted in Company C of the 6th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry as first lieutenant.[1]
In June 1863, he was appointed judge-advocate of the District of the Border to Major-General Samuel R. Curtis at Fort Leavenworth.[3]
He was honorably discharged in December 1864[1] and proceeded to Fort Leavenworth to continue his practise.[1]
In spring of 1865, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri (near his family in Westport) where he continued to practise law as well as operate a sandstone quarry on his property, which is now part of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.[1]
The 1881 History of Jackson County, Missouri reports that he had five children: Jennie M., Ettie R., Rus. J., Albert A., and Mary B. Lewis.[1]
Poetry
In 1898, he published over 80 poems in Four Centuries and Other Poems.[4] It was published in Kansas City, Missouri introduced by fellow poet Laura Coates Reed.[4]
An example of his poetry is:
HAPPY AS A CLAM
When the winds are a blowing
And the doors are all a slam,
I love to hear them roaring
I'm as happy as a clam.
I am glad when I am thinking
That I am free as any man,
That I can be myself -
And happy, happy as a clam.
Fortune may be frowning
But a man may be a man;
The thought it makes me happy,
Happy as a clam.
Change in fate and fortune
Seems to be the plan,
Still we can do our thinking
And be happy, happy as a clam.
Fate may be against us
Do what ere she can.
But if we act the right
We'll be happy, happy as a clam.[4]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The History of Jackson County, Missouri: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, Etc., Biographical Sketches of Its Citizens, Jackson County in the Late War... History of Missouri, Map of Jackson County ... Union historical Company. 1881.
R. J. LEWIS, Fruit-grower, section 19, post-office Westport, is a native of Raclenshire, Wales, born August 24, 1831, and when about two years of age his parents came to America, and located in Michigan, where he was educated. He then commenced reading law, and in 1857 was admitted to the bar, and practiced until 1858, when he went to southwest Missouri, and there followed his profession until May, 1861; thence to Fort Scott. August 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 6th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, as first lieutenant, and served until December, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He then went to Fort Leavenworth, where he continued his practice. In June, 1863, he was appointed judge-advocate of the District of the Border, and held that office until the spring of 1864, when he was assigned to Major-General Curtis, at Fort Leavenworth, in same capacity. Remained there until he was mustered out, in December, 1864. In the spring of 1865, he came to Kansas City, where he continued the practice of law, his family living at Westport. He has on his place one of the finest sandstone quarries in the State. By going to the summit of what is now called Eagle's Bluff, one has a view of five counties. Mr. Lewis married in Ypsilanti, Michigan, December 24, 1860, to Miss Mary E. Allison. They have five children: Jennie M., Ettie R., Rus. J., Albert A., and Mary B.
- ↑ Lewis, Rees Jones (1898). Four Centuries and Other Poems. H.T. Wright.
- ↑ Wiggins, Mark (2026-05-20). "Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame Welcomes Two New Inductees". Command and General Staff College Foundation, Inc. Retrieved 2026-06-01.
- 1 2 3 Lewis, Rees Jones (1898). Four Centuries and Other Poems. H.T. Wright.