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Lewis, Hon. Fred E.

HON. FRED E. LEWIS, former mayor and Congressman, is a member of one of the oldest and most prominent Lehigh County families. He was born in Allentown, February 8, 1865, and was educated in the public schools, a New England military institute and Muhlenberg College, after which he took up the study of law in the offices of Hon. Robert E. Wright. He was admitted to practice at the Lehigh County bar in 1888. He immediately entered politics and in 1896 on the Republican ticket was elected mayor of Allentown. Mr. Lewis at that time was just past thirty, and his administration was notable for the many striking reforms and improvements. Again, in 1902, he was elected mayor and his second administration surpassed the first in brilliancy and usefulness. He retired from office with the respect and confidence of the people. Mr. Lewis organized the Lehigh Telephone Company, since absorbed by the Consolidated Telephone Company; and established the Merchants National Bank, and was its first president for a period extending over seven years. He was also a former president of the Allentown Board of Trade. In the campaign of 1912, Mr. Lewis, nominated by the Republicans and endorsed by the Washington party, was elected Congressman-at-large by a large plurality. He is especially popular with the working classes, and on several occasions was instrumental in bringing about a settlement of serious labor dissensions. He is prominently identified with the State Firemen’s Association, and a member of many social, protective and beneficial organizations. On April 16, 1892, he married Juliet M. Hammersly, a daughter of Captain James B. Hammersly, of Allentown.