Nathaniel Hewit

Nathaniel Hewit (1788-1867) was an American clergyman.

Early life and education Hewit, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Avery) Hewit, was born in New London, Conn., on August 28, 1788.

He graduated from Yale College in 1808. He commenced a course of legal studies in the office of Hon. Lyman Law, of New London, but soon altered his plans. He then taught in the Academy at Plainfield, Conn., and there studied theology with Rev. Joel Benedict, D. D.

Career He was licensed to preach by the New London County Association, Sept. 24, 1811, and supplied several congregations in Vermont and elsewhere. After about six months at the Andover Theological Seminary, in the class of 1814, he was ordained Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Plattsburg, N. Y., July 5, 1815, and dismissed Oct. 2,1817, being driven southward by the severity of the climate. In Jan. 1818. he was installed over the First Congregational Church in Fairfield, Conn., as successor of Rev. Dr. Heman Humphrey. While in this charge, he became prominent as an able Temperance advocate, and in 1827 he labored extensively in behalf of the American Temperance Society, formed the year before in Boston. In Nov., he was appointed to a three years mission for this Society, and was accordingly dismissed from his pastorate, Dec. 18. His successful efforts during this time, well entitled him to be called the "Luther of the early Temperance Reformation." Dec. 1, 1830, he was installed over the Second Congregational Church in Bridgeport, Conn., a parish adjacent to his former one. The summer of 1831 was spent in England, on the errand of the Temperance Reform. She died May 1, 1857. Of seven children, two sons and a daughter by his first wife survived him.

He died in Bridgeport, Conn. on February 3, 1867, aged 78 years. The discourse preached at his funeral, by Prof. Lyman H. Atwater, D. D., was published.

His letters are held at the New Haven Colony Historical Society.