On this day in 1907, a third child, the second son, was born to Louis F. Powell and Mary Lewis Gwathmey Powell. He was made the namesake of his father, and came to be known to the world as Lewis F(ranklin) Powell, Jr. How and why “Louis” became “Lewis” is the topic for another post.
Though his parents were both Richmond residents, and Lewis would live his entire life, save military service and his Supreme Court tenure, in that city, he was born in Suffolk, Virginia. That story, too, is for another day. It will suffice for now to note and celebrate the 105th anniversary of the birth of the School of Law’s most distinguished alumnus.
Below: Seeming unperturbed by the freaky gargoyle on the chair arm, baby Lewis Powell smiles for the camera, c. 1908.
