Joseph Hewes

Joseph Hewes. Signed Declaration of Independence - Godfather of the US Navy. , Hewes fought for independence in Continental Congress, 1730: Joseph Hewes is born on Mayberry Hill, a 400-acre farm in Kingston, NJ. , 1747: Attended Princeton, became a successful merchant in Philadelphia. He saw opportunity in the south with navigable waters and trade routes. , 1760: At 30, he moved to Edenton to pursue his career; developed a highly successful shipping business. , 1763: Hewes when 33, was elected to the North Carolina legislature. , 1774: North Carolina elected Hewes as representative to the Continental Congress. , 1776: Hewes was one of three North Carolinians who signed the Declaration of Independence. , 1776: Hewes was appointed first Chairman of the Naval Committee, forerunner of Secretary of the Navy. His friend, John Paul Jones becomes nation's foremost naval hero. , 1779: Joseph Hewes died on November 10, 1779 in Philadelphia. He was 50 years old., The Cannons come to Edenton , , 1777: Continental Congress sends diplomatic committee to France; Benjamin Franklin and two others to purchase cannons to support America's fight for independence. , 1778: Twenty-eight 24 pounders and seventeen 18 pounders loaded on Swiss Captain William Borritz's boat "Holy Heart of Jesus". Navigating to avoid British ships, they come to Edenton. , 1778: Virginia purchases 22 of the guns. North Carolina agrees to buy 23. , 1781: Unable to receive payment in full, Captain Borritz leaves and "throws the cannons in a river near Edenton"; fearing potential capture by Lord Cornwallis. , 1785: By Act of General Assembly the Guns are recovered from the water and later mounted on carriages to defend Edenton. , 1862: Four Union Gunboats under command of Lt. A. Murray arrive. Noting no fortifications destroy 8 cannons stating "They posed more danger behind them than in front of them." , 1776: After signing the Declaration of Independence Hewes turned his ships over for military use by the brand new United States of America. , John Adams quote, "Hewes laid the foundation, the cornerstone of the American Navy." , Hewes was a primary reason North Carolina was the first colony that voted for independence. , [photo captions] , . Joseph Hewes laid the foundation, the cornerstone of the United States Navy. , . This view, over the Cannons toward the Cypress island and the Penelope Barker House, is one of Edenton’s most popularly photographed scenes. , This self-guided museum trail is numbered for convenience. However participants can begin or end where desired., The Museum Trail Signs are presented by the Edenton Historical Commission with support from the Edenton Woman’s Club. Special Thanks to Kip Shaw Photography and William Ahearn Arts.