Lewis, Joseph, 1748-1814

Joseph Lewis, a prominent Morristown, New Jersey lawyer, was born on December 23, 1748, to Edward and Sarah Morris Lewis in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. At an early age, he and his family relocated to Morristown, New Jersey, where he would remain for the rest of his life. During the American Revolution, Lewis was appointed commissary, or contractor for the Continental Army. He was charged with the duty of supplying the much-needed subsistence for the troops. After the war, Lewis became a lawyer, and based his practice in Morristown. Eventually, he became Surrogate of Morris County, New Jersey, a position he remained in until about the year 1785. Additionally, he was Clerk of the County from 1782 to 1787, and served as a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1800 to 1805.

From the description of Joseph Lewis diary, 1806, [ca. 1900]. (New Jersey Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 53031337

Militia paymaster for Sussex, Morris, and Bergen counties, N.J., from Dec. 1777 to May 1780, responsible for the distribution of pay to militia companies (funded by both the state treasury and loans from the Continental Congress). When on active duty, militiamen were paid by the state at the same rate as Continental troops, with additional bonuses or "bounty" pay to non-commissioned officers and soldiers.

From the description of Receipts and accounts of Joseph Lewis, paymaster for the Sussex, Morris, and Bergen Militia, 1778-1780. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70954113