Smith Cemetery ~ David R. Lewis ~ part of the Polk County Pioneer Cemeteries of Oregon
Lewis, David R.
LAST: Lewis FIRST: David MID: R.
GENDER: M MAIDEN NAME:  TITLE: 
BORN: 9 Mar 1811 DIED: 8 Dec 1894 BURIED: 10 Dec 1894 (Smith Cemetery)
OCCUPATION:  
BIRTH PLACE:  Fayette Co, Kentucky
DEATH PLACE: Salem, Marion Co, Oregon
NOTES: 
Donation Land Claim No. 2995 - David R. Lewis, Polk Co; b 1814, Fayette Co, Ky; Settled Claim 1 Feb 1849; m Mary 4 Oct 1832, Anderson Co, Ky. Aff: John Lewis, Paul Hiltibrand.
1870 OR CENSUS - David R. Lewis (56y, b Kentucky, occupation farmer) enumerated with Mary (57y, b Kentucky), James H. (21y, b Oregon), Eliza (17y, b Oregon) & Mariah (15y, b Oregon)
OBITUARY: 
On Saturday, December 8, 1894, David Lewis, of Lewisville, died at the age of about 82 years. Mr Lewis was born about the year 1812 and crossed the plains in 1845, and settled at the place where Lewisville now stands, which town was named in his honor. As was customary among the pioneers, the home of “Uncle” David was a great rendezvous for travelers, and he had the name of being the most hospitable of pioneers. He leaves a large number of relatives in and about Lewisville to mourn his demise, and his friends in this county and state are very numerous. Mr Lewis’ funeral was held on Monday, and the remains were interred at the Smith burying ground near Lewisville.
Independence West Side, Friday, December 14, 1894, 3:5

Died at the asylum in Salem, Ore, December 8, 1894, David H. Lewis, age 81 years. The deceased was a prominent citizen of Polk county, who emigrated to this coast in 1845. He located a donation land claim on the Luckiamute, where the town of Lewisville now stands. When in his mental prime he was recognized as a man of forceful character, an obliging neighbor and a kind husband and father. For several years before his death he was afflicted with softening of the brain and was a constant care to his children. He was committed to the asylum several months before his death. Mr Lewis was the father of a large family, four sons and five daughters now living. His faithful wife still survives him, but is quite aged and feeble. The remains were interred in the Smith burying ground on Monday.
Independence Enterprise, Thursday, December 20, 1894, 3:5
INSCRIPTION: 

Father
D.R.
Lewis
Mar. 9, 1811
Dec. 8, 1894

[shares marker with Mary R. Lewis]

SOURCES: 
Lewis family history, PCHS
Genealogical Material in Oregon Donation Land Claims, Vol II, page 26, entry 2995
1870 OR CENSUS (Polk Co, FA#663)
Independence West Side, 14 Dec 1894, 3:5
Independence Enterprise, 20 Dec 1894, 3:5
CONTACTS: 
ROW: 45-2