BELLVILLE — The name, John Bell Lewis, may not mean much to the newer residents of Bellville but Lewis was instrumental in many things Bellville.
His grandmother, according to the historical marker outside the home, was George Washington’s sister. Lewis served the Confederate Army in several major battles.
Lewis served as the sheriff of Austin County and as county tax collector. He helped found the Bellville First National Bank and Austin County State Bank. He was instrumental in getting the railroad through Bellville when rumors were the railroad would bypass Bellville.
The home was acquired by Lewis in about 1874. The home displays a transitional style between the Greek Revival and the Victorian. In 1879, Lewis married Mollie Bell Ervin and their children grew up in Bellville. The home is not open for public display but can be seen from the street at 206 South Masonic.
