Background
Nathaniel Hewitt was born on August 28, 1788, in New London, Connecticut, United States, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Avery) Hewit.
Nathaniel Hewitt was born on August 28, 1788, in New London, Connecticut, United States, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Avery) Hewit.
Nathaniel Hewit graduated from Yale College in 1808. He commenced a course of legal studies in the office of Hon. Lyman Law. Hewit then studied theology with Rev. Joel Benedict, D. D. at the Academy at Plainfield, Connecticut, and at the Andover Theological Seminary. In 1830, Hewit received the degree of D. D. from Amherst.
Nathaniel Hewit was licensed to preach by the New London County Association, September 24, 1811, and supplied several congregations in Vermont and elsewhere. He was ordained Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Plattsburg, New York, July 5, 1815, and dismissed October 2, 1817, being driven southward by the severity of the climate. In January 1818, he was installed over the First Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut, 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 November, he was appointed to a three years mission for this Society, and was accordingly dismissed from his pastorate, December 18. His successful efforts during this time, well entitled him to be called the "Luther of the early Temperance Reformation. "
December 1, 1830, Hewit was installed over the Second Congregational Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a parish adjacent to his former one. The summer of 1831 was spent in England and Paris, on the errand of the Temperance Reform. In 1853 a difference in his Society, in regard to the course to be taken in procuring assistance for the pastor, resulted in his withdrawal, and the formation of an Old School Presbyterian Church over which he was installed October 31. Here he continued preaching until a colleague was settled, about five years ago. He died in Bridgeport, Connecticut, February 3, 1867, aged 78 years.
His first wife, Rebecca Woolsey, daughter of Hon. James Hillhouse, of New Haven, died January 4, 1831. His second wife was Miss Susan Eliot, daughter of Rev. Andrew Eliot, of Fairfield. She died May 1, 1857.