Milam County Historical Commission
Milam County, Texas
Milam County, Texas
Sheriffs of Milam County, TX
Researched and written by
Greg Kouba
Andrew Jackson (A.J.) Lewis
#24 - Sheriff Andrew Jackson (A.J.) Lewis was elected on November 3, 1886; re-elected on
November 6, 1888 and served until November 4, 1890.
He was born in Wilcox County, Alabama on November 27, 1849. His parents were Andrew
Jackson Lewis of South Carolina and Elizabeth Keiser of Alabama.
Sheriff Lewis was reared mainly in Choctaw County, Alabama.
He married Miss Mary R. Campbell on December 19, 1872 and three years later, in December
of 1875, came to Texas, settling in Milam County.
While here, he engaged in farming until January, 1881, when he became a deputy sheriff
under then Sheriff Wyatt Lipscomb.
He served in that capacity until November, 1886 when he was elected Sheriff. He served
in office until November 4, 1890 when he voluntarily retired from office.
On April 7, 1887, Sheriff Lewis, Deputy Sheriff G. L. “Lee” Pool, Deputy J.H. Bickett
and Constable McCalla went to a house near Rockdale to arrest Will Jacobs who was wanted
for murder in Gonzales County.
The Sheriff and deputies were met with gunfire from Jacob’s Winchester rifle at his
door. Deputy Pool was hit and killed instantly.
Jacobs then retreated through his house and exited out the back door and away into the
bush. Jacobs was known to be wounded as a trail of blood was found.
Deputy Bickett and Constable McCalla reported bullet holes through their clothing, but
none were hurt. One member of the Sheriff Lewis’ posse, only identified as Mr. Barber,
was hit in the head by the 30 or so bullets which were fired, but he was expected to
live.
On April 12, 1887, Sheriff Lewis increased the reward for Jacobs arrest to $250, the
killer of Milam County Deputy Lee Pool. Sheriff Lewis said that Jacobs was believed to
be heading to Goliad.
After leaving the office of Sheriff, Lewis was elected Mayor of Cameron in April of
1892.
He was a man of superior executive ability, being prompt, energetic, determined and self
reliant.
His administration of the office of Sheriff of Milam County is spoken of by citizens of
the county in terms of unqualified praise.
As Mayor of Cameron, he has given equal satisfaction, and measured by the demands of the
office his administration of it has been equally successful.
A Democrat from his boyhood up, he has at all times given to his party the best support
of which he was capable.
He has served as chairman of the executive committee of his county and as a member of
the executive committee of his Congressional district.
The Odd Fellows and Knights of Honor number him on their rolls as an efficient worker,
and in all other things that concern the social and material welfare of the community in
which he lived. He stood ready to do the part of a good citizen.
In June 1890, Lewis lost his wife, and remained a father to their three daughters and
one son (Andrew Jr.).
He also served as County Attorney from 1920 to 1932. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery
in Cameron, Texas.
Andrew Jackson (A.J.) Lewis
.