Lewis, son of John Wesley Lewis and Mary Elizabeth Wright, inherited the family farm upon the death of his father. In March of 1920 Lewis married Zelma Griffis. They built a small house on a portion of his parent's farm. After the death of his parents they moved into the original house. Lewis was a WWII Veteran, farmer, painter, and merchant. Lewis and Zelma were the parents of several children: Lewis Jr. (killed in WW II), John, Mary, Evelyn, Joe, Gene, and Robert.

Lewis and Zelma were long time members of The Christian Valley Church of Christ. They also took an active part in the community, both of them being officers in the PTA.

For many years, the operated a grocery store built of pine logs on Rocky Fork Road.

Lewis was known for his sometimes fiery disposition and also for being a very sentimental person. He took great pride in the appearance of his home and property which he was continually improving.

His son, Joe, purchased 37 1/2 acres of the farm in 1978 and the log house was removed in the fall of 1986. Another son, Robert, purchased the remaining 24 acres in 1978 and in 1984 sold it to Lewis' grandson, Joe Chapman II.

(History of Mason County West Virginia 1987, p. 65)

According to the Veterans Affairs Master Index, Lewis enlisted on 28 Aug 1918 and was discharged on 31 Dec 1918. On his 1917 draft card, Lewis was listed as being short and of medium build with blue eyes and light hair. On the 1942 draft he was given to be 5' 10" tall, 161 lbs, with gray eyes, gray hair, and balding.

1940 Census of Glenwood, Mason, West Virginia, United States

Louis E Chapman, 47, 1893, Head, WV

Zelma Chapman, 34, 1906, Wife, OH

Louis Chapman, Jr, 18, 1922, Son, WV

John W Chapman, 16, 1924, Son, WV

Mary Lilly Chapman, 14, 1926, Daughter, WV

Evelyn Louise Chapman, 6, 1934, Daughter, WV

Joseph Calvin Chapman, 0, 1940, Son, WV

Also, son Harold G. Chapman b. 22 Dec 1942.