Whitehead H. Hewlett, the owner of a beautiful farm in the town of Hempstead, is living retired in Merrick. This tract of land has been handed down in the Hewlett family since its first occupancy in 1640. Our subject, who was born in Rockaway in 1816, is one of the oldest residents of Queens County. His parents were George M. and Elizabeth (Hewlett) Hewlett, also natives of Long Island, where they were content to pass their entire lives.

George M. Hewlett followed farming all his life, and in the prosecution of this vocation met with success. He was quiet, unassuming citizen, devoting his time and attention almost entirely to his private affairs. He departed this life May 17, 1870, mourned by all who knew him. His wife preceded him to the land beyond by many years, closing her eyes in death March 7, 1857.

Whitehead H., of this sketch, had only the advantages of a district-school education in his youth. Upon leaving school he settled down at Rockaway, where he remained until the age of thirty, when he removed to the old Hewlett homestead at Merrick, and has ever since devoted his time to its cultivation. It is one of the best tracts in the county and is under advanced improvement. It is very conveniently located, and as we stated in our opening paragraph, was first settled upon in 1640. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Daniel and Mary (Mott) Hewlett, people of prominence in their day and locality.

Our subject was married October 15, 1845, to Mary E., daughter of John and Sarah (Hewlett) Clowes, natives of Long Island. John Clowes was in turn the son of Joseph and Hannah (VanWycke) Clowes, respected residents of Queens County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead Hewlett resulted in the birth of four children: Frances Moore and Julia Hart are deceased; Joseph Titus married Eleanora Hewlett and died December 27, 1891, leaving one son, Frederick Clowes; George Mott Hewlett was married March 1, 1893, to Emma Hewlett, a sister of his bother’s wife. The wife and mother departed this life March 19, 1892, aged sixty-six. In religious affairs our subject is a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, with which denomination he has been connected for many years.

Mr. Hewlett has never aspired to political honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests. However, he supports Republican candidates. He is now living in ease and quiet retirement in a commodious dwelling well suited to the needs of the family. George M., the only son now living, is engaged in managing the farm.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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