Our History

The Lewis family originates in Burke County, Georgia, where Polly Lewis — our earliest known matriarch — lived her entire life as a farmer and landowner, holding approximately 175 acres that would become the foundation of the family's legacy.

James Lewis, grandson of Polly, married Harriet and together they built a family of fourteen children: Frank, John, Lucy, Robert, Joannah, Mamie, Alfred, Henry, Davey, Catherine, and others. Most were raised on the family homestead and became respected citizens of Burke and Jenkins Counties — farmers, teachers, and community leaders.

Henry Lewis, son of James and Harriet, was born in 1884 and spent his entire life on the family homestead in Georgia. Known affectionately as "Big Daddy" by family and friends alike, Henry was deeply respected for his faith, his leadership in his church and community, and his steadfast commitment to the land. His son Kirkland remained on the homestead and raised seven children there, keeping the ancestral home alive.

The earliest known Lewis family members settle in Jenkins County, Georgia, building a life rooted in faith, farming, and community.

Alfred Lewis, son of James and Harriet, married Ada Evans, daughter of Ed and Minerva, joining two powerful family lines. Alfred moved with his wife Ada and their children to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he became a supervisor for a private contracting firm and pursued other business ventures. His financial success allowed him to purchase two sizable tracts of land — one adjacent to the original family homestead in Georgia — and to send his children to college, a rare and remarkable achievement for a Black family of that era.

Two of James and Harriet's daughters — Joannah Lewis Hargrove (known lovingly as "Sist'Annie") and Lucy Lewis Brown — remained near the family homestead, providing love, support, and comfort to the entire Lewis family for decades. Lucy dedicated her life to education, teaching school in the community for many years. Their presence was the quiet heartbeat that kept the family anchored to its roots.

Alfred W. Lewis updates his Last Will and Testament, expressing clearly his wish that the Home Place remain with his family — first passing to his wife Ada for her lifetime, and then to their children. His intent was not just legal; it was a declaration of love across generations.

Alfred W. Lewis passes away, a lifelong resident of Jenkins County, Georgia. His estate is settled through the local courts, and his wishes for the land are honored exactly as he intended. The foundation he built in 1927 stands unshaken.

Ada E. Lewis, Alfred's widow, receives the family land from his estate. In a beautiful act of unity, the children come together and sign the land over to their mother as a life estate — a gift rooted in love and respect. The family stood as one.

Ada E. Lewis passes away. The next generation carries the legacy forward, just as Alfred and Ada had always hoped. The land, and the love behind it, passes to their children.

Family members of the next generation convey the Newton Road property among themselves, keeping the land firmly within the Lewis family. The chain of ownership remains unbroken.

Between 2003 and 2009, the third generation of Lewis descendants steps in — continuing to pass and preserve both parcels through family transfers. The commitment Alfred made in 1927 is renewed, generation after generation.

Following the passing of Harriett L. Lewis, the Home Place transitions to the next generation of the family. Each passing is not just a loss — it is also a passing of the torch, a reminder of what Alfred started and what the family continues to honor.

Following the passing of Rosebud L. Jones and Kathryn L. Robbins, the Home Place is carried forward by their children and heirs — the fourth generation of Lewis descendants to hold this land. Both properties remain free and clear, protected by an active Conservation Use Agreement.