Charles Swearinger LEWIS, Congress, VA (1821-1878)

LEWIS, Charles Swearinger, a Representative from Virginia; born in Clarksburg, Va. (now West Virginia), February 26, 1821; attended local schools and Ohio University at Athens; was graduated from Augusta (Ky.) College in 1844; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1846 and commenced practice in Clarksburg, Va.; member of the State house of delegates 1849-1852; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John F. Snodgrass and served from December 4, 1854, to March 3, 1855; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1854 to the Thirty-fourth Congress; resumed the practice of law in Clarksburg; delegate to the State constitutional convention in 1861; served in the West Virginia house of representatives in 1871; was State superintendent of free schools and adjutant general of the State of West Virginia from 1871 to 1873; resigned upon his election as judge of the second judicial circuit and served until his death in Clarksburg, W.Va., January 22, 1878; interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present