Hi Nancy,
I would be happy to send you a copy of the bible page, specific to your John LEWIS ancestor. He was indeed born from the Thomas LEWIS marriage to Esther LILLY. Off the top of my head, I believe his birthdate on the bible page is August 31, 1815. He would have been born in Canada, most likely in New Brunswick. John LEWIS married Naamah WALTERS on November 27, 1837 (probably in Ontario). John died on May 28, 1872 in Michigan. He was close to James LEWIS, my direct ancestor, and likely he, James and a brother named Isaac came from Canada to Michigan in the late 1840's. James LEWIS arrived in 1849 and settled in Sanilac Co., Michigan (thumb area). John moved west across the state and settled in West Michigan (not sure of the area, but do know another cousin of yours that is also related to him).
Very little information exists on our Thomas LEWIS (the Loyalist), other than that he and his first wife were kicked out of the U.S. for supporting the British in the revolution. They were offered the ability to stay, but must have stuck with their Crown leanings as loyalists, so were granted land in Canada. Thomas' first wife is a HUGE debate. Some think it was Rachel VAN BENSCHOTEN, others think it is another person entirely. No records of Thomas' wife exist in Canada currently (or that I could find). I suspect that records should exist in the Dutchess County archives, if I could just locate the right person to help us with the research.
Where Thomas LEWIS originally came from is also a mystery. Family "lore" suggests Wales, as Lewis is a Welsh name. But it's hearsay to be honest. They could be English or Irish...who can be sure? Would love to know what information you have on this family, and how we are related. Feel free to reach out to me on my personal e-mail at: maizerage_2003@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Michael