Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-04-18
The Late Mr.. Hcwss and his Ancestor.

The funeral Of the late Virgil II. IIewes wa.
observed in this city, yesterday forenoon. The
body, accompanied by relatives, came from Bos-
Masonic brethren of Bethlehem and Augusta
Lodges, met at their hall, and to the number
of about fifty marched to the depot, where the re-
mains were taken in charge and escorted to Mt.
Vernon cemetery, where they were placed beside
the new made grave prepared for their reception.
Here the beautiful rites of Masonry were per-
formed by the brethren Of the mystic tie, led by
Dist. Deputy Grand Master, Geo. 7. Haskell, as
sisted by Chaplain c. A. Curtis. The services
were very impressive and most excellently per-
formed. The Augusta Glee Club sung two of
of ca,sia in the receptacle made 10 mother earth,
the brethren left the body Of their venerable
/ brother To rest until the grand awakening Of the
resurrection morn.
! Mr.. llewes, the deceased, is well and favorably
remembered by our older business men, as he was
engaged in the tailoring business here for many
years. lie was an active politician Of the old
whig school, taking greaSiutercst in the move
mcnts Of all political events keeping himself tho
| roughly posted all matters relating to paltiC $
| and politics. W it'll well trained and intelligent
mind, he welded ready pen, aud often contrib
uted sharp and able articles TO the columns Of the
political papers. While refusing official position
himself, he would enter the field with great earn
es,ness IN the cause Of his friends However
much he might be interested in his business. he
found 1t very easy TO turn from that to the arena
| of politics, where he felt most al home and most
| in his element. After removing to Boston, where
the last years of his life spent be kept up his
interest IN politics. tspousing on the death of the
wing party, the principles and purposes of the
republican party. lie always expressed a desire
to be buried by the side of his FIRST wife, in Au-
gusta, and that desire has been granted.
While residing in Augusta, Mr.. Hcwes received
a visit from his grandfather, then one hundred
years of age. His name was George Robert Twelves
Iewes, and in regard to him we desire to say a
few words. The old gentleman was an historical
character being at the time of his visit in 1912,
the last survivor OF that particular band who threw
| the East India Company's tea overheard in T73.
He was born il Boston, 25th August,l742, old style
The wbg blood stirred in his veins at an early
period. and manifested itself in his acts. When
but youth he participated in the scenes and
events finally eliminating IN the Rcyolut ionaIy
war. Boston vas converted into a garrison house,
and the blood Of the future hero was up. He
was witness of the fearful massacre, on the 9Th
of March, 40, aud had narrow escape from
death. He actively engaged 10 the discussion Of
the tea question, which shook Massachusetts, from
ce ntre TO circumference. lie OF the persons
who disguised as Indians made such grand tea
party for the fishes in the hsrbor. In the space
OF three hours they broke up 3i2 chests, which
was the whole number in the vessels, aud dis
charged their contents into the dock. There was
the greatest care taken to prevent the tea from be
Ing pui lointd by the popuace. Mr.. Hewes said
there was a big crowd to witness the scene.
Hewes, whose whistlng talent was a matter of
public notoriety, acted as boatswan during the
affair. He had the pleasure several times of &
personal interview with Washington. lie after
wards entered the naval service aud although he
may have been reckoned among the "undistn-
guished" ones during the struggle for ndepend-
ence, his claims to more prominence was recog-
nized afterwards. Ia every section of the coun-
thy through which he passed be received the hon
ols due his services in the cause of the republic.