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Hewlett Naming Tradition

The name "James Philip Hewlett" was carried through five generations of the Hewlett family, often leading to confusion in family papers and later writings. 

  • James Philip Hewlett I (1781–1823): Esther’s first husband; curate of St. Aldate’s, Oxford; "Sermons Adapted for Parochial and Domestic Use" (1823).

  • James Philip Hewlett II (1819–1889): Esther’s son; author of "Rival Claims" (1851).

  • James Philip Hewlett III (dates uncertain): A son of James Philip Hewlett II who died young.
    (See his story below.)

  • James Philip Hewlett IV (1875–1919): Poet; "A Prodigal Bard: The Poems of James Philip Hewlett" (2012).

  • James Philip Hewlett V (1911-2008): The author’s half-uncle; not a published writer.​

See also section "Esther’s Descendants" for narrative context.

James Philip Hewlett III (1843-1858)

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James Philip Hewlett III (1842-1858) is the second son of
James Philip Hewlett (1810-1878) and Elizabeth Shackleford (1815-1906);
and the grandson of James Philip Hewlett (1780-1820) and
Esther Beuzeville (1786-1851).

He died aged 16 years.


Esther Beuzeville Alden (nee Hewlett) writes, “I want to tell you a little about my dear brother James (James Philip Hewlett III) who died three months before we left Watford at 15 years old. He was a sweet little fellow loved by everyone who knew him, never very strong. There was a Vicar then at the Paris Church, who was not all a vicar should be. His favourite amusements were dogs of which he kept a lot and used to go about with three or four at his heels, the terror of the place.

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One day when dear Jimmy was about 10 years old, one of the huge dogs pounced on him, rolled him over on his back and treated him very roughly. He was quite ill with fright and we thought it injured his back. The spine was affected, and he suffered much pain and one morning, quite suddenly, he lost the use of his legs and did not put a foot to the ground for three months. At the end of that time the feeling as suddenly came back, and he ran about as actively as ever for 5 years.

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One day in May he went for one of his favourite coach drives to St. Albans and back. The wind was east, and he took cold and he was never well again. All the old symptoms returned and after three months of terrible suffering, borne with perfect patience and sweet resignation, he went to join the weary ones at rest from all pain and suffering. He was my pet brother and I felt as if I could never love the others as much. This was my first real trouble.

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I found amongst Mother's letters a tiny note written in faded pencil as he lay on his back very ill while she was unavoidably away for two days in June 1858. I will copy it because it is very touching, and I would like you to see it”.

 

"Dearest Mama, or should I say darling comforter of the sameness of my present life,

I should have sent a message to Esther this morning, but I was asleep. I was afraid you would think I didn’t think about you, but I have thought of very little else since I tried to catch a sight of your dear face as the train went by. All are very kind, but you are what they can’t supply. I prayed for you most earnestly in the deep quiet of last night, and shall continue to do, God helping me. Mrs Hutton sent me 6 strawberries as big as I have traced here. That God will bless you with his best of blessings, and watch over you all your steps, and bring you back home safely is the prayer of your darling little invalid.

                         After tomorrow, I shall look out.
                         You know I am lying down coughing.

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