John W. Lewis Jr. Explained

Birth Date:6 September 1905
Birth Place:Marshall, Illinois, U.S.
Alma Mater:University of Illinois
Predecessor:Paul Powell
Successor:Michael Howlett
Order:32nd
Office:Secretary of State of Illinois
Governor:Richard B. Ogilvie
Term Start:1970
Term End:1973
Order2:59th
Office2:Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
Termstart2:January 9, 1963
Termend2:January 6, 1965
Successor2:John Touhy
Predecessor2:Paul Powell

John W. Lewis Jr. (September 6, 1905 – August 12, 1977) was an American politician.

Born in Marshall, Illinois, Lewis graduated from Marshall Township High School and then went to University of Illinois. He was a farmer auctioneer, and livestock dealer. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1940 until 1958 and was a Republican. In 1958, he was then elected to the Illinois State Senate. However, in 1962 Lewis was again elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and served until 1968 and served as speaker. Lewis was appointed director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 1969. In 1970, he was appointed Illinois Secretary of State and served until 1973.[1] [2]

He unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for United States Senator in 1960.

Notes and References

  1. 'Illinois Blue Book 1971–1972, Biographical Sketch of John W. Lewis, p. 45
  2. 'American Legislative Leaders in the Midwest, 1911–1994,' Nancy Weatherly Sharp, James Roger Sharp, Greenwood Publishing Group: 1977, Biographical Sketch of John W. Lewis Jr., p. 159