Richard Henry Lewis (1806-1857) was the son of Exum and Ann Harrison Lewis of Edgecombe County, NC. He received his BA from the University in 1827, giving the Latin Salutatory at commencement. In 1830 he earned an MA. A planter and lawyer, Lewis was married to Mary E. Foreman of Pitt County, NC; they had two children, Ivey F. and Mary. His second wife was Martha Elizabeth Hoskins Foreman. Richard had seven brothers and sisters: John Wesley, Exum, Kenelm Harrison, William Figures, Elizabeth Figures, Mary Ann, and Emma.