James Taylor Lewis (October 30, 1819 – August 5, 1904) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Governor of Wisconsin (1864–1866).

[4] He received a common school education and completed a course of English and classical study at Clarkson Academy and Clinton Seminary.

He instead chose to move west to the Wisconsin Territory and established himself at Columbus, which remained his principal residence for the rest of his life.

[5] and was concerned during his tenure with providing sufficient troops for the Civil War and helping to protect them and their dependents.

He visited troops in the field and helped establish hospitals in Wisconsin for the care of the wounded.

Refusing renomination in 1865, he was offered a diplomatic post by President Lincoln, but chose instead to return to his law practice in Columbus.

[4] His elder brother, Shubael R. Lewis, won esteem at the Battle of Chapultepec in the Mexican–American War.