Joseph Hewes (or Howes)

North Carolina (1730-1779)
Unanimity Lodge No. 7, visited in 1776

A native of Princeton, New Jersey, Hewes and his family were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). At the beginning of the Revolution, he abandoned his ties with the Society of Friends and devoted himself to the creation of the new country.

In 1776, Hewes was a member of the secret committee on claims, and was, unofficially, the first secretary of the Navy. Having lived in Philadelphia where he was a businessman, Hewes moved to Edenton, North Carolina, in 1763 where he became a a member of the legislature. In 1774, Hewes became a delegate to the Continental Congress and assisted in the preparation of the report on “The Statement of Rights.” Hewes conceived the plan of operations for the ensuing campaign with General Washington for the ensuing conflicts. He was again chosen a delegate to congress in 1776, but illness prevented him from serving. He was again returned to congress in 1779, but died in the second month of his term.

Hewes mother lodge is not known, but he is recorded as a visitor at a meeting of Unanimity Lodge No. 7 of Edenton, N.C. on Dec. 27, 1776, just after his return from the Continental Congress. Hewes was buried with Masonic honors in a funeral that was attended by George Washington, and buried in Christ Church, Philadelphia.

* Excerpt as it first appeared on www.freemasoninformation.com