Edward Parke Custis Lewis facts for kids

Edward Parke Custis Lewis (born February 7, 1837 – died September 3, 1892) was an American lawyer and politician. He also served as a diplomat, representing the United States in Portugal. During his life, he was a soldier, a lawmaker, and a government official.

Early Life and Family

Edward Parke Custis Lewis was born in 1837. His family lived at Audley, their large farm in Clarke County, Virginia. His parents were Lorenzo Lewis and Esther Maria Cox.

Edward had several brothers. His family had important connections in American history. His grandfather, Lawrence Lewis, was a nephew of George Washington. His grandmother, Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, was a granddaughter of Martha Washington. This means Edward was related to the first President and First Lady of the United States!

His maternal grandfather, Dr. John Redman Coxe, was a doctor from Philadelphia. He was known for being one of the first to use vaccinations. Edward studied law at the University of Virginia. After his studies, he worked on his family's farm in Virginia.

Military Service and Law Career

During the American Civil War, Edward Lewis joined the Confederate States Army. He became a high-ranking officer, reaching the rank of Colonel. He served as an aide to generals and helped inspect brigades.

He was captured twice during the war. He spent about 15 months as a prisoner of war. After the war ended, he went back to his farm in Virginia.

In 1866, Lewis moved to Hoboken, New Jersey. There, he started his own law office. He worked as a lawyer for the rest of his life.

Political and Diplomatic Roles

Edward Lewis became involved in politics. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In 1878, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. This is a group of lawmakers who help make laws for the state of New Jersey.

He also took part in national politics. He was a delegate at the 1880 Democratic National Convention. In 1884, he helped with the presidential campaign of Grover Cleveland.

After Cleveland became president, Lewis received an important job. On April 2, 1885, he was appointed the United States Minister to Portugal. This role is similar to being an ambassador. It meant he represented the U.S. government in Portugal. He served in this role until June 14, 1889. After his time as a diplomat, he returned to Hoboken to continue his law practice.

Personal Life

Edward Lewis was married twice. His first wife was Lucy Balmain Ware. They married in 1858 and had five children. Only one of their children, Lucy Ware Lewis, lived past infancy.

In 1869, he married his second wife, Mary Picton Stevens Garnett. Mary was also related to him through her grandmother. Edward and Mary had four children together. Their children included Edwin Augustus Stevens Lewis, who also became a lawyer, and Esther Maria Lewis. Esther became a well-known person in society.

Edward Parke Custis Lewis passed away in 1892 at the age of 55. He was buried in Princeton Cemetery in New Jersey.