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William (Uncle Bill) Lewis ~ 1810 - 1896
7th Ave., Chattanooga,
TN ,
USA
Latitude & Longitude:
35° 2' 54.179988",
-85° 18' 33.899976"
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Tennessee State
Historical Marker
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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
Last updated: 2/14/2015 15:17:00 |
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See all Tennessee African American History locations.
View other Tennessee Civil War Historical Markers
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William (Uncle Bill) Lewis ~ 1810 - 1896 Historical Marker Location Map, Chattanooga, Tennessee Map
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