Morgan Lewis (1754 - 1844) was the son of Francis Lewis. He graduated from Princeton (then the College of New Jersey) in 1773 and began to study law on the advice of his father. His studies were interrupted by military service during the Revolutionary War, and ultimately he became Quartermaster General for New York. He married Gertrude Livingston (1757 - 1833) in 1779.

After the war, Lewis completed his legal studies and was elected to the New York Assembly and Senate. He was Attorney General and later Justice and Chief Justice on the state Supreme Court. He served as governor of New York from 1804-1807.

During the War of 1812 Lewis resumed his duties as Quartermaster General and served in western New York. Among his accomplishments were the capture of Fort George and serving as commander during the Battle of Sackets Harbor. Later he was commander of upstate New York.

Lewis helped to found New York University in New York City, where he was born and where he died.

Lewis County, New York has been named to honor him.