Fox Valley Chapter Patriot Profile

Biography of Patriot William Hewes

William Hewes was born March 22, 1761 in Attlebury, Massachusetts the son of Benjamin and Jemima (Cook) Hewes.

In June of 1780 he was residing in Swanzey, New Hampshire. He enlisted as a volunteer private in the 2nd New Hampshire regiment commanded by Colonel Reed in a company commanded by Lieutenant (later Captain) Caleb Robinson and Captain Nehemiah Houghton. This regiment was part of the brigade under the command of General Poor.

The regiment was marched to West Point in the month of June 1780 where they remained about 2 weeks. From here they were then marched down the Hudson River to Orangetown where they remained 2 weeks. They then marched to the "English neighborhood" and "made a stand for a few weeks."

They then moved to New Jersey where they remained a few weeks. After this, they then returned to the "English neighborhood" and remained a few weeks. They then returned to Orangetown, and then marched back to West Point where William was employed in repairing the barracks built by General Arnold. He was then sent to Fishkill, New York to guard stores and prisoners after which he returned to winter quarters, until he was discharged. He was given a written discharge signed by Colonel George Reed.

William married Abigail Woodcock in Cheshire County, New Hampshire on February 18, 1782. He was a teacher of vocal music and also a farmer.

After the Revolutionary War he resided in Salisbury four years, in Halifax, Vermont 10 years or more, and the remaining time in Milton, Vermont seventeen years.

It was in Milton, Chittenden County, Vermont on August 4, 1832 that William Hewes applied for a pension. His initial application for a pension was rejected for the cause of "Did not serve six months." The New Hampshire record showed William had served 5 months and 19 days. However, William claimed that he did indeed serve a full six month term, but allowances had not been made for his traveling from his home at the beginning of his enlistment and back to his home at the close of his term.

William assembled a number of affidavits from individuals swearing they believed "on their oath" that William served his entire enlistment. William appealed the decision to Congressman Lea of Tennessee, who was the chairmen of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions. Congressman Lea introduced "A Bill for the Relief of William Hewes." This bill was passed by both the House and Senate, and was approved on June 28, 1836. William Hewes was added to the Vermont pension rolls at a rate of $20 per annum.

William Hewes came west to Will County, Illinois about May 1847, living near Crete with his son Lumar Hewes, one of the leading men of the county. William Hewes passed away on June 3, 1855 at the age of 94 years, 2 months and 11 days and is buried in the Old Crete Cemetery in Crete, Will County, Illinois.

Sources:
William Hewes’ Revolutionary War Pension File #S.32.311
Genealogical & Biographical Record of Will County, Illinois, 1907, Vol. 1, page 249
http://members.aol.com/sam2w/geneology/family/hewes.htm and scroll to #10
DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 44, #43462
1840 Federal Census, New Hampshire, Cheshire County, Swanzey
Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, Vol. 2

Photos from the Old Crete Cemetery in Will County

William Hewes passed away on June 3, 1855 at the age of 94 years, 2 months and 11 days and is buried in the Old Crete Cemetery in Crete, Will County, Illinois. He is buried next to his wife Abgail and in a row with other family members. The old Crete Cemetery is located at the intersection of West Exchange and Vincennes Streets. The Hewes graves parallel and face Vincennes Street. The graves are about 20 yards from Vincennes Street.
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