LEWIS.
Lewis was formed in 1816, from Harrison, and named in honor
of Col. Charles Lewis, who fell at the battle of Point Pleasant.
It is 60 miles long, with a mean width of about 20 miles. It is
watered by the Little Kanawha and west fork of Monongahela;
the surface is rocky, hilly, and in some parts mountainous: on the
streams there is considerable fertile land. Stone-coal of an excellent
quality abounds in some parts of the county. In 1843,
portions of its territory were set off to the new counties of Barbour
and Ritchie. Large quantities of sugar, and some tobacco, are
raised in this county; the greatest staple is Indian corn. Pop. in
1840, whites 7,989, slaves 124, free colored 38; total, 8,151.
Weston, the county-seat, is situated at the west fork of Monongahela,
281 miles northwesterly from Richmond, and 50 from the
Ohio River, and contains about 60 dwellings.
