Casparus Hewson

by


Casparus Hewson was born in July 1758. He was the son of Johannes and Anna Hewson. He grew up in a small family in a cordwainer's home in the first ward.

In 1777, he was identified as one of two sons in the will filed by his father. John Hewson was dead by 1779 when Casparus was considered on the tax list under the household of his mother. By 1788, the first ward assessment showed his property valued separately. Two years later, however, he probably was included on the census under the household of his mother.

Within a few years, he had moved his family into their own home on Pearl Street. Later he re-located farther west on Lion Street. His holdings there may have been shown on a developer's map of the city above where Lion intersected with Dove Street. Casparus was known as a house and job painter and was active in the formation and early years of the Albany Mechanics Society. In 1797, he was elected first vice-president and was a trustee of the organization.

He was an officer in the State militia. In September 1788, he was one of the assistants in the Albany ratification parade.

His wife's name was Susanna Nicolls. Two of their children were christened at St. Peter's Episcopal church in 1787 and 1789. Casparus or his namesake was confirmed in St. Peter's in September 1791. His family had been active in St. Peter's for many years.

He also belonged to the Albany Masonic Lodge. In February 1789, a Masonic meeting was held at his Albany house.

Casparus Hewson lost his wife in February 1795. He died in January 1813 at the age of fifty-three.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Casparus Hewson is CAP biography number 8621. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. However, some Internet sources connect this name to a Prussian who became an American army officer!




first posted: 9/10/07