Joseph Hewes (1730–1779)

Signer of the Declaration of Independence, born in Kingston, NJ, 1730. In 1774 he was a delegate to the Continental Congress. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and when this society denounced the proceedings of Congress he severed his connection with it, and became even a promoter of war. In 1776 he was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and was at the head of the naval committee. Hewes declined a re-election in 1777, but resumed his seat in Congress in 1779. He died in Philadelphia on the 10th of November 1779.