William H. Lewis was born October 14, 1837, near Carlinsville, Macoupin County, Illinois. He died September 9, 1905 at Lewiston, Utah, which was named after him. Baptized and confirmed a member of the Church on April 10, 1347, enduring many hardships and privations, he arrived in Salt Lake City with his parents on October 7, 1851. He married Martha Petty in 185G and built a small house at Fort Herrinan. Strict economy and avoidance of debt was the motto of this couple from the start which was to stay with them throughout their lives.

In July 1859, he came to Cache Valley, arriving on the spot where Richmond now stands. In November 1859, he was ordained a High Priest and set apart as a member of the high council of the Cache Valley Stake, in which capacity he labored for 12 years. In 1872 he was called to preside over the branch of the Church at Lewiston, and on May 20, 1877 he was ordained a Bishop of the Lewiston Ward .

As a presiding officer in Lewiston for 29 years. he has witnessed the growth of that settlement from a mere hamlet. consisting, of only four cabins, to tone of the most flourishing settlements in Cache Valley. By his energy and his enthusiasm he has done more than any other man in shaping public opinion in his home town, and in instilling into the minds of the people a spirit of thrift and economy.