Dr. Lewis W. Tyner Sr.

(1806-1878)

Lewis W. Tyner: A Frontier Physician and Patriarch

Born on February 12, 1806, in South Carolina, Lewis W. Tyner embodied the pioneering spirit of early 19th-century America. As a young man, he witnessed the United States expand westward, offering both opportunity and challenge to those with the fortitude to seek a better life. By the time of his death on February 18, 1878, in Neshoba County, Mississippi, Lewis had established himself as a respected physician, farmer, and the patriarch of a family whose legacy would endure for generations.

Lewis’s early life in South Carolina was shaped by the traditions of a growing nation, but it was his westward migration that defined his adult years. He moved first to Tennessee and then to Mississippi, where he built a life as both a healer and a farmer. In a time when access to medical care was sparse, Lewis's role as a physician made him an essential figure in his community. He balanced the demands of farming with his medical practice, embodying a life of service and hard work.

By 1831, Lewis had married Sarah Williams Rutledge, and the couple began raising a large family. Their children included James W. Tyner, James Polk Tyner, and several others who would carry forward the family’s legacy. Lewis instilled in his children the values of resilience and adaptability, qualities that were essential for survival and success in the volatile landscapes of frontier life.

The Civil War years brought profound loss to Lewis and his family. Two of his sons, Lewis Jr. and James W., died during this tumultuous period. Despite these personal tragedies, Lewis continued to serve his community and provide stability for his surviving children, including James Polk Tyner, who became a prominent figure in his own right.

Lewis lived during a transformative period in American history, witnessing the rise of new states, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. He remained committed to his dual roles as a farmer and a physician, contributing to the development of Neshoba County, Mississippi. His ability to adapt and thrive in changing times left a lasting impact on his family and community.

Today, Lewis W. Tyner is remembered as a figure of strength, service, and perseverance. His legacy as a frontier doctor and dedicated father is a testament to the values that defined 19th-century America—a commitment to family, community, and the pursuit of a better life.

Notes on Dr Louis Tyner

Dr Louis (Lewis) W Tiner a physician & methodist minister: In the obituary of son, George W., Dr. Tiner is said to have been a physician during the week and a Methodist minister on Sunday.

 Place of birth: South Carolina. He is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Neshoba County, MS. Masonic records show that Louis Tiner was a member of the Pearl River Masonic Lodge #105, Carthage, MS in 1850 (with the annotation IPR de).

Copies of deeds from Leake Co. (1843, etc.) indicate that Lewis and Sarah Tyner lived in Atalla County before moving to Leake County, MS. Copies of records relating to his service on the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors in 1870 are also in grl files.

The following BLM records refer to LEWIS TINER: 1) Doc. # 36412 issued October 1, 1859 Cash Sale 160.73 acres Columbus Land Office 2) Doc. #36413 issued October 1, 1859 Cash Sale 40.26 acres Columbus Land Office 3) Doc. # 36414 issued October 1, 1859 Cash Sale 40.16 acres Columbus Land Office 4) Doc. #38653 issued October 1, 1859 Cash Sale 80.3 acres Columbus Land Office 5) Doc. #39572 issued October 1, 1859 Cash Sale 80.4 acres Columbus Land Office 6) Doc. 40598 issued May 1, 1860 Cash Sale 120.26 acres Columbus Land Office 7) Doc. 644 issued May 1, 1841 Cash Sale 79.200 acres Augusta Land Office 8) Doc. 1247 issued May 1, 1841 Cash Sale 40.0900 acres Augusta Land Office 9) Doc. 1248 issued May 1, 1841 Cash Sale 39.9800 acres Augusta Land Office 10) Doc. 4588 issued May 1, 1841 Cash Sale 80.0700 acres Augusta Land Office 11) Doc 5722 issued May 1, 1841 Cash Sale 159.6900 Augusta Land Office]