 He engaged in business from an early age, and was so successful that he retired with a competency in 1862.In 1868 he was elected a member of the New York City Board of Education, serving as school commissioner and chairman of the financial committee.When in 1869 the legislature changed the board from elective to appointive, Lewis was confirmed in his office of school commissioner, and in 1870 was reappointed for a term of five years.