Lewis, J. Manville (Joseph Manville), 1843-1927

Baptist missionary; originally of Springfield, Vt.; left home at age 19 to become harness and carriage maker; lived in Springfield, Mass., and then in Boston; worked as salesman for children's carriage company, travelling throughout New England and as far west as Missouri; attended Bowdoin Square Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher; applied for and was appointed missionary in the Belgian Congo, 1887-1889, returning to Boston as a lecturer; in 1890 returned to Africa for 2 years, resigning in 1892 due to poor health; became preacher for a group of churches in North Westport, Mass.; later retired to North Springfield, Vt.

From the description of J. Manville Lewis collection, ca. 1883-2001. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 422637396