Rensselaer Morse Lewis


Rensselaer Morse Lewis was an American merchant from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin who served a single one-year term in 1873 as a Liberal Reform Party member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin.

Early life

Lewis was born November 9, 1820 in Morrisville, New York, the son of Conway Lewis and Adelia Lewis. He received an academic education and became a grain merchant and wholesaler.

Career

In 1853, he came to Wisconsin, settling in Fond du Lac. He was listed as a produce dealer in 1867. From 1867 to 1869 he served as postmaster of that city. He declared bankruptcy in 1868 and his home burned down in 1872.

Legislative service

In 1872, he was elected to serve in the 26th Wisconsin Legislature representing the 2nd Fond du Lac County Assembly district as a candidate of the newly formed Reform Party, with 1,754 votes to 1,725 for Republican incumbent Elihu Colman. Lewis was assigned to the standing committees on ways and means, and on engrossed bills.
He was not a candidate for re-election in 1874, and was succeeded by Democrat Thomas Weeks.

Personal life

On July 30, 1845, he was married to Helen Maria Williams. In 1859, his wife had her leg broken in a train accident aboard the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. Together, they were the parents of:
Lewis died in Fond du Lac on December 16, 1888.