The Founder’s story

Historic Strawberry Mansion, then known as Summerville, was built for William Lewis in 1789. But who was William Lewis, and what was his life really like? Esther Ann McFarland, a descendant of Lewis and longtime volunteer at the Mansion, set out to answer these questions. The product of years spent poring through family letters and archival records, William Lewis, Esquire: Enlightened Statesman, Profound Lawyer, and Useful Citizen is the most complete biography available of this forgotten founder. The true story of a Quaker farm boy turned fiery lawyer who drafted Pennsylvania’s first act to legally abolish slavery, this limited-edition publication is available only at Historic Strawberry Mansion. Plan your visit today and pick up your copy at the museum shop!