John B. Lewis

“John B. Lewis is a native of Wilmington, Massachusetts.  He is a self-made man; his parents having been in somewhat limited circumstances.  After graduating from high school and serving as a volunteer in the War, he engaged in the manufacture of shoes.  He was credited with selling more shoes to the retail trade of the United States than any other Boston manufacturer, and was a pioneer in the sale of American shoes abroad.  Retiring from active business a decade ago, he has since been the “busiest” retired man in Massachusetts, devoting much of his time and means to philanthropic work, his especial interests being temperance and patriotism as exemplified in good citizenship.    
     Mr. Lewis has many temperance affiliations.  He is Vice-Chairman of the Prohibition National Committee, Treasurer of the Massachusetts State Prohibition Committee, Vice-President and Trustee of Prohibition Trust Fund Association, one of the Managers National Temperance Society, Trustee New York Civic League, Director and Member Executive Committee Massachusetts Total Abstinence Society, and a Director of the Scientific Temperance Federation.  He is a life member of the World, National and Massachusetts State WCTU and of the National Temperance Society.  He is also life member of the Boston YMCA, the Baptist Home Missionary Society, the New England Sabbath Protective League, and the National Geographic Society.  He is a member of Edward Kinsley Post No. 113, GAR, of Boston, and has served two years as national Patriotic Instructor of the GAR.  He is the founder and President of the National Association of Patriotic Instructors.”

— Speeches of the Flying Squadron

[BACK]