Hewes, Joseph

Hewes, Joseph (hyOOz) [key], 1730–79, political leader in the American Revolution, signer of the Declaration of Independence, b. Kingston, N.J. He moved (1760) to Edenton, N.C., and became a wealthy merchant and shipper. As a member of the Continental Congress (1774–77), Hewes helped establish the American navy and obtained a commission for John Paul Jones in 1775. Reelected to Congress in 1779 he died during the session.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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