Gen. William E. Lewis, son of Dr. Enos Lewis was born here May 25, 1815. He married, March 26, 1846, Ruby W., daughter of Hezekiah Hazen, to whom were born six children, two of whom died in early life; the remaining ones, two sons and two daughters, are established in homes of their own.
General Lewis was in public office as early as 1838, and thereafter was continuously in town office until the time of his decease, January 5, 1892, during that period serving in nearly every elective office within the gift of his people. He was town clerk for forty-nine consecutive terms. In the years 1856, 1857, 1863, 1872-3, 1878-9, he represented his town in the state legislature: from 1863 to 1871 was assessor of internal revenue for the collection district in which he resided.
The General was much interested in military matters; at different times serving as Adjutant, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier-General in the State Militia.
It was not alone as the faithful, competent and long serving public officer that General Lewis best served his people, but with equal fidelity he gave wise and safe counsel to those who appealed to him.
His passing away called forth the following resolutions by the voters of Norwich at the annual town meeting next after his decease:
“Whereas, in the course of Providential dispensation our esteemed fellow townsman, General William E. Lewis, has lately been taken from our midst, and
“Whereas, we, the voters of Norwich in town meeting assembled, desire to give formal expression of our esteem for the deceased, it is hereby
“Resolved, that in the private walks of life General Lewis was a living example of a worthy and upright citizen, and in official life a true and tried public servant of unblemished integrity, and further
“Resolved, that these resolutions be placed upon the public records of the town.”