For hundreds of years the Lewis family/line of Virginia and Kentucky speculated of their roots, in constant discovery of their progenitor. While there have been numerous books and publications written on this particular line (because of their early pioneering and later connection to Warner Hall), there was no 100% for certain proof to trace John “The Immigrant” backwards into the proper Lewis family. Until his grave was accidentally “discovered” by Dr Malcolm Harris in 1948 that is!
The Tombstone spoke volumes on a variety of levels- it tells of Johns Status, his heraldry, and gives precise dates in order for his descendants to be sure they match “their” John to the proper John Lewis in Wales (Wow, what a task that would be without dates or his parents names!)...One particular detail I find intriguing (out of many) is that John Lewis is buried with an incredibly detailed footstone- very unusual for its time. Not to mention it is phenomenal shape considering its age with no one to look after it. It is also quite interesting in the sense that the soil here is so sandy; no local stones would have been suitable and therefore this had to be ordered from England which took time and money. Gravestones were uncommon in tidewater Virginia in that era, only the wealthiest had them.
Of course the most exciting part of this for the Graveyard Rabbit is that this is the oldest known tombstone in King and Queen County VA and it’s got a great anagram on it; for the family, the inscription of their coat of arms was the key to unlocking their ancestry. The Quartering of the Coat of Arms revealed that their family was of Lewis of Rhys Goch, Howell, Prince of Caerlleon (son of Rhys Goch), a Gemilling married Jenet, daughter of Sir Howel of Caerlleon. And A Grant of Arms was given to him in the eleventh century to use this arms, 3rd quartering is “Argent three Chevronels Gules“. Coat of the de Turberville family of Crickhowell in Brecon, and another quartering shows “Azure three plates“. Fourth position is for the wife, so this was the shield of Johanna Lewis of the family Lewis of Llanddewi Rhydderch acquired by intermarriage with an heiress of the de Trevely family of that parish. These Arms were borne by Sir Walter de Trevely who came into Wales with the Norman Conqueror, Bernard de Newmarsh. And last but not least a Lewis motto (which appears to be added by John The Immigrant to leave his own mark for his descendants– “Omne Solum Forti Patria Est” – “Every Land is Home to a Brave Man”.
What an amazing story!!!
“Here lieth interred the body of John Lewis (borne in Munmoth shire) died the 21st of August 1657 aged 63 years. The anagram of his name: I shew no ill”.
Unfortunately I cannot recall who emailed me these photos- if you are out there please let me know so I can properly credit you.
