Quits Pulpit for Wilds of Alaska

1914

Sioux Falls, S. D., Jan. 20. — Having decided to accompany his brother, "Black Beaver," a noted explorer and trapper, to Alaska, where the latter has extensive property interests, Rev. George Edward Lewis, one of the best known clergymen of the state, has tendered his resignation and retired from active church work.

"Black Beaver" has been a rover all his life, and was in Alaska years before many white men had gone to that region. He accumulated valuable property and secured skins of wild animals for which he has received many thousands of dollars. He now is the owner of a private collection of skins worth $100,000.

Rev. Mr. Lewis has been pastor of the Congregational church at Canton and before going there was at Webster and other cities of the state. He is a descendant of General Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, General Lewis having been a brother of the grandfather of Rev. Mr. Lewis. Francis Lewis, who signed the Declaration of Independence, was his great grandfather.

Mr. Lewis and his brother will spend their summers in Alaska and their winters in the United States. The engagement between the two is for a period of three years, and during this time Mr. Lewis and family will make their home at Seattle, Wash. If at the expiration of the three years he wishes to return to the ministry the pastorate at Canton will be held open for him.