Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hewitt, John (1719-1802)
HEWITT, JOHN (1719–1802), alderman of Coventry, a relative, perhaps uncle, of James Hewitt [q. v.], was born in that city in 1719, and succeeded his father in business as a draper. He was three times elected mayor, in 1755, 1758, and 1760, and was for thirty years a justice of the peace. He published (1779–90) a journal of his magisterial proceedings ‘in cases of riots, coiners, murder, highway robberies, burglaries, returned transports, and every species of events that falls under the cognizance of the laws of this kingdom.’ The book is a curious medley, in which the record of offences more or less serious is found side by side with explanations of the criminal law, correspondence with official persons, and an account of the writer's municipal achievements and hospitalities. Hewitt also published ‘A Guide for Constables,’ 1779, and ‘Memoirs of Lady Wilbrihammon, alias Mollineux, alias Irving, an Impostress,’ Birmingham (1778?), 4to. He died 20 April 1802.
[A Journal of the Proceedings of J. Hewitt, Senior Alderman of the City of Coventry; Coventry Mercury, 26 April 1802; Colville's Worthies of Warwickshire; Watt's Bibl. Brit.]