Biographical Sketch of

Charles Hewett

Transcribed by Suzanne Folk for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 372 - 373

Charles Hewett was the first settler of Kingston, Green Lake County, and it would be 
injustice to his family and friends if we should omit from this history a sketch of the 
life of that worthy pioneer. He was born near Boston, Mass., May 4, 1794, and is descended 
from old New England parentage. On attaining his majority, he was united in marriage on 
the 22nd of March, 1818, with Miss Philoxanna Parker, who was born Feb. 16, 1799, and 
had settled near Batavia, N. Y. A family of seven children came to bless that union, the 
record being as follows: Sally J., the eldest, born March 25, 1819, became the wife of 
Ambrose McFarland, and after his death wedded Earl Nettleton, her own death occurring in 
Madison, Wis.; Ira C., who was born Oct. 30, 1820, was married and came with his family to 
this county, where he made his home until called to his final rest; Charles C., born May 21, 
1824, is now a resident of Lime Springs, Iowa; C. P., whose sketch appears elsewhere in 
this work, is next in order of birth; Alonzo P., born Nov. 7, 1830, served his country in 
the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry and now makes his home in Louisiana; Clarissa married Caleb 
Kendall and died in Minnesota; William H. H., born Dec. 14, 1838, enlisted in the 2nd 
Wisconsin Infantry, but was discharged on account of disability; Alfred enlisted in the 3rd
Wisconsin Cavalry and was promoted from Sergeant to Adjutant of the regiment; he died at 
Sedalia, Missouri, where he was one of the prominent citizens, having served as County 
Surveyor and also as Clerk of the Court.

In an early day Mr. and Mrs. Hewett left their home in the East and emigrated to the 
Buckeye State, settling in Geauga County, of which they were pioneers. After residing there 
for some years, they continued their western journey until reaching Green Lake County and 
in 1846 located upon the site of the present village of Kingston. He platted the original 
town and called it Hewettsville, but as Josiah Drummond became his partner, the name was 
changed to Kingston, by which the village has since been known. He built the first frame 
house and it is still standing as a monument to his enterprise and industry. He also made 
the first dam across Grand River, built the first sawmill and in company with his partner 
erected the first gristmill. In early life he was a strong supporter of the Whig party, but 
when the Republican party was formed he joined its ranks, but did not live to see the great 
work which it accomplished - the restoration of the Union and the freeing of the slaves. In 
company with five others, among whom were his son Corydon and Frank Goss, he organized the 
first Republican caucus. He cast his ballot for the State Constitution, held the office of 
Justice of the Peace for several years and was Probate Judge of Marquette County before Green 
Lake County was separated. He was a man of more than ordinary ability and his intellectual 
superiority, together with his just and upright life made him one of the prominent citizens 
of the community. He died in 1857, respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Hewett survived her 
husband a number of years, dying in Minnesota in 1874.








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