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Nixon (LEWIS an American shipbuilder)

LEWIS, an American shipbuilder; born in Leesburg, Va., April 7, 1861; was graduated at the United States Naval Academy in 1882; sent to the British Royal Naval College, by the Navy Department; and was transferred to the construction corps of the navy in 1884. In 1890 he designed the battleships "Oregon," "Indiana," and "Massachusetts." He resigned from the navy to become superintendent of Cramps' shipyard, Philadelphia , Pa., and in 1895 he founded the Crescent shipyard, in Elizabeth, N. J., where in six years he built over 100 vessels, among them the submarine torpedo boat "Holland," the monitor "Florida," and the cruiser "Chattanooga." In 1898 he was appointed president of the East River Bridge Commission of New York. Succeeded Richard Croker as leader of Tammany Hall, 1901-1902. Commissioner Public Works for Borough of Richmond, New York City (1914); State Commissioner Public Works (1919); afterward Commissioner Public Service, New York City; author "Canal Tolls and American Shipping."