Feb. 20,1781 - Feb. 25,1870

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In addition to Lewis’ itinerancy, he professed to have little faith in "public education" and believed that 'experience was the best teacher'; subsequently, his children were all "home schooled". This is a fact that Asa bemoans in several entries in his diary. However, what Asa might have missed in a formal education, was more than made up for by his busy, young life (validating his father's beliefs). His writings (diary, letters, political and legal papers) display an education far superior to the majority of the people raised and schooled during the times.

*Author's Note: In deference to the "home schooling" from Lewis and Mary, the author must point out that Asa's aforementioned diary is now housed at Syracuse University's ______ and has been the historical reference for numerous newspaper articles, historical papers, et al. Additionally, during Asa's long and esteemed career, he was both appointed and elected to countless public offices at the municipal, county, state, and national levels. While serving as Constable and Justice of the Peace under appointment of New York Governor Clinton, he was elected as a delegate to the State Convention to revise the new US Constitution. He was next elected to the New York State Legislature. where, upon arrival, he was granted "Freedom of the City" by New York Mayor, Stephen Allen. His last elected office was to the NY State Assembly in November, 1832. During his political career, he also was elected "Sachem" (leader) of New York's famed Tammany Society (Tammany Hall) and was a founder and early leader of the New York Freemasons (Masonic Order). It was the age difference between Asa and the "American Founding Fathers" that prevented their personal and professional intimacy, not his lack of formal schooling. Nonetheless, he enjoyed the tutelage of both former US Vice Presidents, Aaron Burr and George Clinton (New York's first and longest serving Governor). The author has been unable to undercover any links to George Washington (Virginia), Paul Revere (Boston), or Benjamin Franklin (Philadelphia), however they were all US Freemason founders and leaders, but all matters pertaining to the ancient order are shrouded in secrecy.