North Carolina Mason
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1491074
was approved by 12 of the 13 colonies on July 4, 1776 (New York would "join the club" soon after). a Contrary to folklore, myth and allegory, the actual document was signed in Congress on August 2, 1776. This brief background sets the stage explaining who our signers* were. North Carolina was represented by three men in the 2nd Continental Congress. Yet, far too little is remembered about these men – Brothers in the Freemason fraternity. Affixing your name to the Declaration of Independence could prove to be your death warrant if independence was not achieved. These three Brothers declared that they would give their "support of this Declaration with firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." I ponder how many people today would risk their very lives and everything they treasure and own for an idea or a belief? Our Brothers and Signers Joseph Hewes was described by his peers as "one of the best and most agreeable men in the world" (so it is etched into his headstone). Brother Joseph was born near Kingston, New Jersey, on Monday, January 23, 1730. His Quaker family had moved from Connecticut to avoid Native American attacks. As a young man he received a basic education and would later attend Princeton. Developing a talent in trade and merchandise, he apprenticed with a merchant and became quite knowledgeable in the shipping and mercantile business. Between 1756/60 he relocated to the lucrative port of Edenton, North Carolina, whereupon he purchased his first ship and named it in honor of his mother, Providence. Known as a conscientious man and somewhat of a "workaholic," his business thrived as did his involvement in Colonial North Carolina government. As the tensions rose between the Colonies and the Mother country, Hewes served on North Carolina committees expressing their feelings and positions on taxation, legal matters, commerce and self-governing. (He would sign the Halifax Resolves.) Joseph Hewes was elected to represent North Carolina in the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses in Philadelphia. In his personal life he became engaged to Isabella Johnston, daughter of North Carolina's first Grand Master (to be), Samuel Johnston. Sorrowfully, just before their wedding day, Isabella perished. Though Joseph would attend social events, he never wed and remained a confirmed bachelor for the rest of his life. In Colonial America many Lodge records were: never kept – lost – destroyed – stolen – misplaced. Yet, it is known that Brother Hewes attended Unanimity Lodge No. 7 in Edenton and has been accepted to be recognized a Freemason. Whilst in Congress he had hoped a peaceful solution could be reached between the American Colonies and the Crown. His skills in shipping were evident in that he proved essential in creating the fledgling United States Navy, along with seeing to the appointment of (Brother) John Paul Jones. Upon signing the Declaration, Brother Hewes was quoted, "It is done and I will abide by it." No doubt the grief felt for the loss of his beloved Isabella, coupled with endless hours of work, contributed The content of this detailed declaration of beliefs, grievances and professed rights would prove to sever any connection between the British Crown and the American Colonies. W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 | 15