Mr. John Lewis’s retirement

June 1, 1905
At Blackburn last night, Mr. John Lewis, the famous referee, was presented with a massive silver salver by the Blackburn Referees’ Society, on his retirement from refereeing after twenty five years’ service. The presentation was made by Mr. Woolfall, treasurer of the Football Association, who described Mr. Lewis as having been for many years the first referee in the land. Mr. Lewis, in reply, said that while he would referee no more great games, he hoped to be useful yet to junior and amateur football teams. His connection with the game had been a continuous source of pleasure to him.
(Liverpool Daily Post: June 2, 1905)