Hewes Family Genealogy & History

Joseph Hewes, an American Founding Father, was a prominent figure in the 18th century, best known for signing the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the Continental Association. Born in 1730 in Princeton, New Jersey, Hewes was a successful merchant who played a crucial role in the American shipping industry by establishing a rope walk and owning several ships. He served as a justice of the peace and a member of the North Carolina Assembly, contributing significantly to finance and treasury committees. His affiliations included both the Quaker faith and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, highlighting his varied religious connections.

Joseph Hewes was born to Quaker parents in Princeton, New Jersey. Early accounts inaccurately claimed his parents were from Connecticut. His family was part of the Society of Friends, and while there is no record of his attendance at the College of New Jersey, now Princeton University, it is likely he attended a local Quaker grammar school. His initial mercantile apprenticeship was with his cousin's husband, Joseph Ogden, in Philadelphia.

George Robert Twelves Hewes (1742–1840) was a prominent figure in the American Revolution, participating in key events like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. As a militiaman and privateer, he contributed to the Patriot cause, serving on ships such as the Diamond and the Connecticut ship of war Defence. Hewes's involvement in these historic protests and his military service highlight his dedication to American independence, making him a notable figure in Revolutionary history.

Hewes was forced to send his family to Wrentham, his father's hometown, during the martial law period in Boston, emphasizing his connection to the area and his efforts to protect his loved ones during the turbulent Revolutionary War era.

William Gardner Hewes III, known as Billy Hewes, is a prominent American Republican politician serving as the Mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi. Notably, he was President pro tempore of the Mississippi State Senate and played a significant role in the creation of Mississippi’s Seller’s Disclosure Statement for Real Estate and the Prepaid College Tuition Program (MPACT). An advocate for business and economic development, Hewes was instrumental in developing the Mississippi Aquarium and promoting the Blue Economy. His tenure is marked by leadership roles, including serving as National Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council and on the U.S. Department of Commerce First Responder Network Authority Board.

The Hewes family is deeply embedded in the history of Gulfport, Mississippi, being among its founding families. Billy Hewes is related to Gulfport's first mayor, and his grandfather served as a Chancery judge, while his father was on the Gulfport City Council. His wife, Paula Hewes (née Morton), and her mother, Ruby Morton, further highlight the family's community involvement, with Ruby serving as a national Goodwill Ambassador for South Mississippi. Billy Hewes continues the family legacy through his work as an insurance agent, real estate broker, and musician, contributing significantly to both his family and community.

David Hewes, an influential American figure born in 1822 in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, is renowned for his pivotal role in the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, contributing the golden spike that marked its celebrated completion. A self-made entrepreneur, Hewes initially supported himself from the age of fourteen, attending Phillips Academy and Yale College. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the foundation of the Hewes Steam Paddy Company in San Francisco, earning him the moniker "maker of San Francisco." His ventures extended into a successful citrus farm in Orange County, California, and his art collection was later donated to Stanford University, cementing his legacy in both industry and culture.

David Hewes hailed from one of Massachusetts's "old families," tracing his lineage back seven generations to patriot Joshua Hewes, who emigrated from England in 1633. His deep interest in genealogy led him to commission a family history, which included an autobiography and numerous family documents. Hewes's family connections were significant, including his second wife, Anna Lathrop, who was the sister of Mrs. Leland Stanford, highlighting his ties to prominent American families of the era.