HEWITT, Margaret L. (Benight) 1837-1928

HEWITT, BENIGHT, WILKINS

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/31/2015 at 22:48:54

[Waterloo Evening Courier, Monday, October 22, 1928, Waterloo, Iowa]

Mrs. Margaret L. Hewitt, Pioneer, Dies at Age of 91

Mrs. Margaret L. Hewitt, a pioneer of Waterloo and last survivor of the charter members of First Methodist Episcopal church, died at 3:15 a.m. yesterday at her home, 826 First Street West of pneumonia in her ninety-first year.

A special service was held at this church yesterday for the elderly members and Dr. J. Arthur Young, pastor, who preached on "A Crown of Glory", referred to the death of Mrs. Hewitt and her connection with the church ever since childhood.

Mrs. Hewitt possessed keen mental facilities until her death.

Born March 8, 1837, at Terre Haute, Indiana, and came to Iowa at the age of 16 with her parents. With them on the tedious journey by ox team and covered wagon, driving their livestock, were the Samuel L. May family and a family named Henderson, the latter stopping in southeastern Iowa. Mr. May was a brother-in-law of Mr. Benight.

Mrs. Hewitt often told of the wonderful beauty of the topographical setting of Waterloo at that time— the crystal-clear waters of the Cedar river, "the beautiful woods upstream and the flower-decked prairies. .The caravan left Terre Haute in April and on arrival in Waterloo the immigrants found the Cedar River at flood tide. Water was flowing swiftly up to the tops of the banks.

"We were obliged to wait on the east bank until the water subsided." she said. "I never saw a more wonderful sight than the Cedar River presented. One could see a pin at the bottom of the stream at a depth of 10 feet. The river was alive with fish of all sizes, which could be seen swimming about."

Mrs. Hewitt said that she could remember only one house and one big tree on the east side of the river

Mr. May settled on the east bank of the river. He erected a frame building at what is now the corner of Sycamore and Fourth Streets, where the Black store Is located, and opened the first tavern in that section of the village. Mr. May also provided the first ferry boat.

Mr. Benight later moved to Waterloo and operated a sawmill in Waterloo west. He suffered an accident in connection with the mill and the injuries later caused his death.

The home of Mrs. Hewitt and her children was for many years on Sycamore Street, between Fifth and Sixth Streets.

Margaret L. Benight married Johnson B. Hewitt, who was principal of the first graded school in Waterloo. His school was at Ninth and Bluff Streets.

On Aug. 22, 1862, Mr. Hewitt enlisted in Co. C, Thirty-second Iowa infantry. He was wounded and captured at Pleasant Hill, La., and died and was buried there April 10, 1864.

Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt, but only one, Mrs. John L. Wilkins, survives. Nettie L. and Harriet M. preceded their mother in death. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have tenderly care for Mrs. Hewitt in her declining years and in her helplessness of the last few months.

A rare artistry of needlework helped Mrs. Hewitt to pass many busy and happy hour in her later years. Her handiwork in this respect has been the marvel of her friends.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Klstner chapel, Rev. Mr. Young officiating. Burial will be in the family lot in Waterloo Cemetery.