Charles Hewitt was born in 1838, son of James and Elizabeth. He was baptised at St Mary's Church on 26th May 1841 with his older brothers Thomas and William, and their sister Harriett. James was a watch and clock maker, but his sons did not join him in the business, chosing to follow the shoe trade. William went to London, returning to Rushden in 1889, and later he built a fine factory in Rushden, and his son brought the cinema to Rushden.
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Hewitt Births recorded
inside the Family Bible
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James Hewitt
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March 30th 1834
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Levi Hewitt
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November 5th 1838
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Elizer Hewitt
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October 19th 1821
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Harriott Hewitt
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March 21st 1824
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Thomas Hewitt
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February 23rd 1827
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Ann Hewitt
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June 23rd 1829
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William Francis Hewitt
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August 10th 1832
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Charles Hewitt
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April 30th 1838
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Charles worked as as a clicker, but after marrying Elizabeth Ann Steele in the Downham area of Norfolk in the summer of 1861, he decided to turn his attention to business, setting up as a bookseller and stationer at 35 High Street. By 1874 he had also taken over as Postmaster, from William William Packwood the parish clerk. The stationery business flourished and much of the local printing was done by Charles, including many posters advertising local events. In August 1901 Charles retired as postmaster.
With Elizabeth he had two daughters and a son Charles. Charles junior trained as a carpenter, but by 1891 he had joined the shoe trade and was described as a manufacturer (perhaps he was with his uncle William), Elizabeth joined her father in the post office, and later she took over the shop, at 35 High Street.
Sarah became a costumier, and with partner Elizabeth Course, moved to 41 High Street.
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