Charles Hewitt was born in Rushden in 1838, son of James, a watchmaker, and Elizabeth (nee Briggs). He had three older siblings - Thomas, William, and Harriott, and all four were baptised at St Mary’s Church on 26th May 1841. The boys learned shoemaking. Harriot went into service.
By 1861 Charles was the only one still at home, with his parents, and was working as a clicker. Later that year Charles married Elizabeth (Steele, born Kings Lynn).
By 1871 Charles and Elizabeth had three children, Sarah, Charles and Elizabeth. Charles was now a bookseller and stationer.
He gradually increased his trade and when William Packwood, the sub-postmaster, retired in about 1872, Charles took over the post. He traded at 35 High Street, and added printing and drapery to his sales. In 1893 he also started a clothing club.
In August 1901 Charles retired as sub-postmaster, and the following year the Post Office was built, and Sidney Field became Postmaster. In 1903 Charles’ daughter Elizabeth had established a news agency in the same shop, and she continued to trade there until after her parents had died. Charles died in 1911, and his wife, Elizabeth died in 1914, and both are buried in Rushden Cemetery.
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