Born in Goochland County, Virginia, in November 1804, Lewis moved westward in adulthood, working in the mines of Michigan Territory by 1827.
While a resident of the region, he was appointed clerk of the United States District Court of Michigan Territory.
From 1845, Lewis served as register of the United States General Land Office at Dubuque.
[1] From 1853, during the presidency of Franklin Pierce, Lewis was appointed Surveyor-General for Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Lewis's tenure in local government included 24 years as Dubuque County recorder.