Rushden Research Group: Hewitt Family Tree

Compiled from Ancestry.co.uk and other Internet sites by Trevor G & Margaret A Hill, July 2014

Hewitt Family Tree

Some of our current research that includes the Hewitt family. They are not our ancestors but were family friends of my wife's grandfather James Andrew Clark. One of their family is single and in her 80s and lives in Wellingborough and we exchange Christmas cards. So we are now writing to her to tell what details of her mother's family we have uncovered and ask if she has any family material that should be preserved. Using Ancestry we have a number of census tracing the family of William J Hewitt who we know from family stories ran a theatre/cinema in Rushden, also in Wellingborough, and he ended up living there. See below for notes we are gathering about the family connection with James Andrew Clark. A family story says that Mr Hewitt's Shoe factory burnt down [1904]. We know your area as we used to teach Family and Local History courses at Knuston Hall. But we too - in our eighties - do not venture far from home so any research is now confined to my laptop and the internet but we do still help with a U3A Local History Research Group in Shrewsbury! Regards,
Trevor G. Hill BA, MA, PhD, ATh
Margaret A. Hill, BSc, PGCE
Lecturers in Local and Community History (retired)

James Andrew Clark

ames Andrew Clark & his musical life - first draft

James Andrew Clark was born on 29th April 1868 at 19 Thomas Street, Poplar, Middlesex. He was the son of Robert Clark (an officer in the Merchant Service) and Ann (formerly Duggan).

He married Alice Margaret Hunter on 23rd June 1839 at Bath Street Chapel, Poplar and died age 47 on 26th September 1914 in the London Hospital. His probate record shows that he was of School House, Arbury Road, Bow and granted to his widow and his effects were valued at £285-18s-7d. On his death certificate his occupation was shown as a school keeper.

James was a cornet player, and he came to Rushden in 1907 to play in Bernard Tomkins' 'First Annual Concert' at the Public Hall.

Clark Family c1892

On 30th April 1889 he was made redundant from the London & East India Docks. An undated document of the Rules of the East London Christian Mission Band shows that W. F. J. Hewitt was bandmaster and that James A Clark was secretary. Following an interview on 23rd May 1905 when he was living at 11 Hind Street, Poplar he was appointed as school keeper to Upper North Street School.

	Rules
1	That the band be called the East London Christian Mission band.
2	That all members shall be decided Christians and in fellowship with some Christian Church.
3	That nothing but sacred music be played.
4	That all practices be opened & closed with prayer.
5	That this band shall be free to help in any gospel work, whether in open air, tent, chapel, or hall. N.B. all applications to be made to the Bandmaster.
6	That the Bandmaster have sole control of band.
7	That the contributions be 2d. per week.
8	That the secretary read his account every quarter.
9	That an annual meeting be held on the last Monday in July for the re-election of officers & general business.
	Foot Note: Having regard to the object of the band, (which is for Christian and Gospel work and for the extension of Christ’s kingdom) it is hoped that every member will make every effort to attend all engagements.
	J W F Hewitt Bandmaster Jas A Clark Secretary

The rules of the Christian Band signed by J W F Hewitt & Jas A Clark

On 2nd October 1903 he received a letter of appointment as cornet player at the City Temple at a salary of £20 per annum. Also A J Hawkins wrote from City Temple offering a six month engagement from 13 September 1903. A of 1st February 1918 shows that after his death his family became members of the City Temple Church.

The collection of his concert programmes is now housed at Tower Hamlets Archive Office but we have some duplicate copies .... (Our current research project)

Family Friend - William F J Hewitt

He was born in Poplar in 1867 the son of William F & Elizabeth Hewitt a Boot and Shoe manufacturer. The 1851 census shows that his grandfather was James Hewitt, born and living in Rushden and he was a watch and Clock Maker. The 1881 census shows the family living at 2 Ricards Street, Poplar and that his father was born in Loughborough, Leics. The 1891 census shows that the family had moved back to Rushden and both father and son were shown as Boot and Shoe manufacturers. By 1901 William F J had married Ellen and they lived in Wellingborough Road, Rushden. He was shown as a Boot and Shoe manufacturer and they had three children; Leonard aged 10, Wilfred aged 3 and Nelly aged 3. Also in the house hold was Elizabeth Hundy aged 68 mother in law and a female servant. By 1911 the family had moved to 119 Midland Road, Wellingborough and William was now shown as a Theatrical Manager. In the house that they built in Wellingborough there was a pipe organ and we believe William played it.

Notes: IGI = International Genealogical Index & other LDS databases; PR = Parish Register;
BC = Birth Certificate; MC = Marriage Certificate; DC = Death Certificate;
CEB = Census Enumerator Book; GRO = General Register Office Indexes.

Extracted from Rushden Cemetery MIs

B 823/4

In loving memory of William Francis HEWITT died September 1st 1913 aged 81 years. Also Elizabeth HEWITT died December 29th 1913 aged 74 years. When the even was come Jesus said let us pass over unto the other side. So He giveth his beloved sleep. In loving memory of my dear husband William F J HEWITT who entered into rest 1st September 1938 aged 72 years. "As for God His way is perfect". Also Ellen Elizabeth HEWITT wife of the above who entered into rest 10th April 1946 aged 82 years. "At evening time it shall be light".

Hewitt Family