Stewart Lewis

Stewart Lewis was born about 1765. He was the son of Albany tavernkeeper Robert Lewis. The widow Sidney Crawford Lewis was his mother or step-mother.

Stewart took over management of the popular Lewis's Tavern at the corner of State and South Pearl following the death of his father in 1798.

In June 1804, he married Susan Austin at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. He had been confirmed there in 1791. He had a number of children as shown on subsequent censuses.

Beginning in 1800, he was identified as the head of a large first ward household that included five slaves. Assessment rolls valued his State Street holdings substantially. He also owned lots in the less settled parts of the city.

Beginning in 1813, he was listed in the city directory as an innkeeper at 76 State Street and/or 8 South Pearl Street. By that time, he had become an officer in a number of community-based organizations.

In June 1819, he advertized that his former "City Tavern" located at 76 State would open as a boardinghouse.

Stewart Lewis died in June 1829 and was buried from his residence at 76 State Street. He had lived fifty-four years.

Sources: The life of Stewart Lewis has not yet been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.