Lewis was born on November 12, 1875, in Washington, D.C., where he received a public education,[1] including at the Business High School.

As team captain in 1896, Lewis instituted the program's first physical training regimen, which included calisthenics and long-distance running.

[10] In 1897, Lewis intended to commute to College Park from Washington, D.C. to assist Maryland captain and player-coach John Lillibridge with his coaching duties.

[12] At the end of that season, he was selected to the Western Pennsylvania All-Star football team as a last-minute replacement at fullback.

[1] Lewis lived in Pineville, Kentucky and was a member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers.