John Butler Hewson

54

Phil Hands on 22nd April 2018

In 1827, at the pleasure of his Excellency, the Governor, John Butler Hewson, a 'Ticket-of-Leave' man, was appointed to replace Thomas Bishop, as Police Constable in Newcastle. The latter being dismissed for drunkenness. From 1832-35,John was Gaoler, in Newcastle. Elizabeth was appointed as 'Matron of the Gaol', on 28th January, 1833. Hewson resigned and then took over the lease on the 'Union Inn', which was situated on the corner, of what is now known, as Hunter and Bolton Sts, Newcastle. He remained there for another five, or so, years, until 22nd June, 1840, when he transferred the lease and Licence, to Robert Tighe. In May, 1841, Hewson was granted the Licence for the 'Rose and Crown' hotel, in York St, Sydney, but the licence had to be transferred to a person named Cooper, as Hewson was likely to become insolvent. This happened, unfortunately, the following year, and, as reported in 'The Australian', on 30th June, 1842, Hewson surrendered his estate to Bankruptcy. The 'licence' for the 'old' Union Inn was transferred from Sarah Tighe, Robert's widow, to one William Latham. He, too, met with insolvency, in 1846. John tried again, in 1846, when he was granted the Licence for the ''Wool Pack Inn'. He also purchased some land in Lane St, Newcastle, and after somehow re-gaining the licence for the 'old' Union Inn, built the new 'Union Inn', in 1853. It is thought that James Hannell , Hewson's stepson-in-law, a very successful Publican in his own right, was associated with this venture. In 1855, the lease was advertised on the 'Union Inn', as John and Elizabeth planned to retire. Despite his convict background, John Butler Hewson was, by all accounts, a loving, gentle and earnest man. He accepted his lot, and in some cases, that of others, without problem. He raised some of Elizabeth's children, mainly Mary Ann, and was much loved by her. John died on the 3rd January 1874 age 73, closely followed by Elizabeth, on the 1st May 1874 age 82. They are both buried at the Christ Church cemetery, in Newcastle.

54

Phil Hands on 22nd April 2018

Tried and convicted at the Old Bailey on 27th October 1819 for possession forged and counterfeit Bank notes, knowing them to be forged, sentenced to transportation for 14 years. Left England on 11th April 1820. Ship:- the 'Mangles' sailed with 190 male convicts on board of which 1 died during the voyage. Arrived on 7th August 1820. Married convict Elizabeth Hannell ('Minstrel' 1812) in 1828 at Newcastle, at the time, John was District Constable, and a ticket of leave man, he became the foster father of her children. Old Bailey Trial Transcription. Reference Number: t18191027-37 1415. WILLIAM TURNBULL , EDWARD MOORE , GEORGE WILLIAMSON , JOHN BUTLER HEWSON , HANNAH GREEN , WILLIAM JONES , JOHN GREEN , THOMAS DOBBINS , DANIEL PRING , ISAAC TITTERTON , JOHN WEBSTER , BENJAMIN JOHNSON , WILLIAM JACKSON , JOHN BAILEY , and MARY ANN CROFT were severally and separately indicted for having in their possession forged and counterfeit Bank notes, knowing them to be forged . To which indictment they severally and separately pleaded GUILTY. Transported for Fourteen Years . Before Mr. Baron Wood and Mr. Justice Park.