ALEXANDER LEWIS (1876-1877) was born at Sandwich, Ontario, October 24, 1822, and is the son of Thomas and Jeanette (Velatre) Lewis. The family on the father's side were originally from Wales and came to this country early in the seventeenth century. The mother's family as the name shows, were from France. Thomas Lewis was born at Three Rivers, Canada, and his wife at the locality formerly known as Ottawa, part of which is now Windsor. Alexander Lewis came here when a boy of fifteen on May 1, 1837, and began clerking in the store of E. W. Cole & Co.. on the corner of Woodward avenue and At water street, remaining about two years, and then entering the employ of G. & J. G. Hill, Druggists, on Jefferson avenue, between Woodward avenue and Griswold street. Two years later be left this firm and went to Pontiac, where he remained until 1843. when he returned to Detroit and entered the forwarding and commission warehouse of Gray & Lew fab the firm consisting of his brother Samuel Lewis, and Horace Gray. Two years later, in 1845, he went into the forwarding and commission business with H. P, Bridge, under the firm name of Bridge & Lewis. They began at the foot of Bates street on the east side, and from there removed to the foot of Randolph street. The firm continued seventeen years, and then, in 1862. Mr. Lewis established himself in the flour and grain business at Nos. 44 to 48 West Woodbridge street, and continued there until 1884. when he gave up active connection with that line of business, and since then has devoted himself to the care of various property interests. He is one of the directors of the Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Company and of the Detroit National Bank, is President of the Detroit Gas Light Company, and is largely interested in real estate. He served as President of the Board of Trade in 1862 as Police Commissioner from 1865 to 1875, as Mayor of the city in 1876 and 1877 and as one of the Commissioners of the Public Library from 1881 to 1887. Mr. Lewis was elected as Mayor of the city under circumstances of the highest possible honor. The distinct issue in the election was as to whether the laws should be observed, and especially whether the law providing for the proper observance of the Sabbath, should be enforced. Mr. Lewis, as the candidate of those who favored law and order, was supported almost unanimously by the religious and moral elements of the community, was triumphantly elected, and fully and squarely and repeatedly opposed i he violation of law, successfully carrying out the desires of those who elected him. As a leading and influential member of the Democratic party, he thus conferred upon it a lasting laurel. He believes in his party, but evidently holds that the title of true manhood and good citizenship is a higher title than that of a partisan. He is eminently a reliable and responsible citizen, and compels the respect of all with whom he comes in contact. He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and one of the oldest members of the original parish of St. Anne's. He was married on June 10, 1850. to Elizabeth Ingersoll, daughter of Justus Ingersoll. They have had thirteen children, eight of whom are living: Ida Frances, wife of W. L. Healy of Marquette; Edgar of Detroit; Josephine, wife of Clarence Carpenter; Hattie, wife of Cameron Curric; Harry B. Julia Velaire, Marion Marie and Alexander Ingersoll Source: History of Detroit and Wayne County and Early Michigan By Silas Farmer 1890 Alexander Lewis born, Sandwich, Ont., Can., Oct. 24, 1822; son of Thomas and Jeanette (Velaire) Lewis; educated in private school in Sandwich; married, June 10, 1850, Elizabeth J. Ingersoll. Came to Detroit at 15 years of age and was in employ of E.W. Cole & Co. for two years; was with drug firm of G. & J.G. Hill until 1841, then removed to Pontiac, where he remained two years; returned to Detroit and became connected with Grag & Lewis, his brother a member of the firm; associated with H.B. Bridge, 1845, under firm name of Bridge & Lewis, forwarding and commission business, continuing until 1862; engaged in flour and grain business, 1862-84, retiring to devote his attention to his property interests; director Detroit National Bank, Detroit Fire and Marine Insurance Co. President Board of Trade, 1862; police commissioner, 1865-75; mayor of Detroit, 1875-76; member Public Library Board, 1881-87. Democrat. Office: 7 Lewis Blk. Residence: 456 Jefferson Av. Alexander I. Lewis born, Detroit, Aug. 21, 1874; son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Ingersoll) Lewis; educated in Detroit public schools; Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass.; Yale University, degree of B.A., 1898. Began business career as secretary of the Bailey Coal Co., 1899; was next with Michigan Brass and Iron Works as treasurer; has been secretary and treasurer The Newland Hat Co. since 1904. Member Detroit Board of Commerce. Clubs: Detroit, University, Detroit Boat. Recreations: Outdoor diversions. Office: 164-168 Jefferson Av. Residence: 456 Jefferson Av. Henry B. Lewis structural steel and iron; born, Detroit, Nov. 18, 1866; son of Alexander and Elizabeth J. (Ingersoll) Lewis; educated in public schools of Detroit and at Trinity College, Port Hope, Ont.; married at Detroit, 1900, Margie E. Croul. Has been engaged in manufacture structural iron since 1893 and is proprietor of works conducted in his own name; manufacturer and erector structural steel ornamental cast and wrought iron work, trusses, girders, columns, beams, channels and _______ sheet and plate iron work, smokestacks, tanks, etc. Member Detroit (missing words ) Clubs: Country, Boat, Old Club, Curling and Racquet. Recreation: Golf. Office: 45-57 Jos. Campau St. Residence: 685 Jefferson Av. All the three bios from The Book of Detroiters