License for Elias Lewis to Keep Livery Stable

This document is a United States Internal Revenue License that was issued to Elias Lewis in 1865 for the keeping of a livery in Worthington. It reads, "This license is granted to Elias Lewis, of the Town of Worthington, in the County of Franklin, in the State of Ohio to carry on the business or occupation of Livery Stable Keeper in the aforementioned place, he having paid the tax of Ten dollars, therefore conforming to the provisions of the Excise Laws of the United States." Among his numerous professional endeavors, Elias Lewis operated a horse-drawn omnibus between Worthington and Columbus. His son, Worthington Columbus Lewis, operated a similar enterprise between Westerville, Worthington and Flint.

Elias Lewis Sr. (b.1786, d. 1884), originally from Connecticut, was a bricklayer by trade. His father, Jedadiah Lewis, also came to Ohio from Connecticut in 1806. He operated a sawmill on the Olentangy River, but died in 1807. His land, located between Riverglen and South Street, from High Street to the river, was divided among his six children.

Elias Lewis was a stone mason. He built the houses at 36 West South Street and the Lewis-Noble House (a k a Bishop Noble House) located at 48 West South Street. He was most known for his evangelistic work with the Methodist Church in Worthington. He was a noted bone setter and splint manufacturer as well.