WILLIAM (UNCLE BILL) LEWIS
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Better Half
N 35° 02.903 W 085° 18.565
16S E 654185 N 3879715
WILLIAM (UNCLE BILL) LEWIS
Waymark Code: WM24T1
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 09/03/2007
Views: 32
WILLIAM (UNCLE BILL) LEWIS
1810 - 1896
William Lewis was born in Winchester, Tennessee, in 1810 as a slave. When he was old enough, Lewis was taught the blacksmith trade. By working at odd times, he was able to save enough money to purchase the freedom of his wife so his children would be born free.
William Lewis came to Chattanooga in 1836 when it was still called Ross' Landing. he continued to work and soon paid for his own freedom. In 1851 Lewis purchased the freedom of his mother, brother and sister. He operated a blacksmith shop at this location and became very prosperous during the civil war. His men forged the shackles for Andrews' Raiders after the famous locomotive chase from Big Shanty, Georgia, to Chattanooga, and his son, George fitted them on each Prisoner.
Presented November 16, 1990
Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation
Marker Name: WILLIAM (UNCLE BILL) LEWIS
Marker Location: City
Type of Marker: Person
Marker Number: n/a
Group(s) Responsible for placing Marker:
Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation
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