The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-02-26

All ths Lewis men we're over six feet in
height. David being magnificent speci-
men of humanity, and beau ideal rob
Der. or his early life little is known
until in 1914 he figured as deserter
from the United States army in
New York. He was lodged In Jail
at Albany. He assigned a. his rea-
son for deserting the ''csaei AMI ty-
rannicsl conduct OF his officers" but per
haps the real reason was his own sest-
less disposition aud the dislike Of lisci
pine. At Albany, according to every
rule of romance, the jsiIer's daughter fell
in lore with the handsome young de
serter, planned bis escape, successfully
carried 1t out and fed with him to New
York, where they we're married.
The trip from Albany to the metropolis
gave Lewis great concern and sronsed all
that waa chivalrous in his nature. His
fair deliverer was young, beautiful, inno-
cent and con6ding. To betrsy her con-
fidencs wss not in him. To attempt
marriage in the country, which vas
aroused by the fight of the prisoner and
his companion, would simply beio throw
both into the hands of their enemies
Pursuit was hot and the road had tobc
abandoned Passage for himself and SIS
ter was secured some miles-belcw Albany
on a market boat TO New York, and on
their arrival there they were married.
Lewis began in New York his career as
highwayman, having there joined an
"oathbound" band, who signed with
their OWE blood their names" He was
very successful Gin the business" and,
after time, became captain. He dressed
in the best clothes and style and was en-
sbled, by his sentgemsnly appearance
and manners, to rob in an auction store
where pictures were sold" the wife Of
the rich merchant, Ast0r.
Lewis became disgussed with the pro-
ceedings Of the band, who qusrreled over
the spoils and deserted, taking his wife
to Philadelphia. How long he remain
ed in Philadelphia does not appear, but
here were born to him two daughters.
1t is probable that the life ne had been
leading in New York only became known
20 his wife about the time he located in
the Quaker City, ss be ex,>-s ssss regret
for it and atthe deception he practiced
on the young girl-"
After few daring robbers in Philadel-
phis and several raids into Chester and
Delaware counties, Lewis was compelled
to again shin his quarters. His name
had now become connected With that Of
Conley and some others. and the eastern
part ofihe State became too warm for
settled residence. tie could not take his
little family with him, 50 be abandoned
them for the time being and transferred
the scene of his operations to the coun
ties OF the centre, south and southwest
OF the State, the city OF Baltimore and as
far south a. Virginia, where another
branch Of the Lewis family lived.
Many ofihe fairy tales connected with
his name date frem the removal from
Philadelphia and are identified with the
counties of York. Dauphin, Lebanon,
Huntington, Northumberland, Centre
and others, his operations often taking
him to the New York State line.
Among the rough but tender-fsearted'
settlers Of the wiIds Of Pennsyivanis
Lewis hsd hosts Of warm friendsand par
tissns Who we're always on the alert,
ready 10 give him timely warning ofdan-
ger. lis among the descendants ofthese