Charles Jewett Sr.
June 13, 1810-Dec. 20, 1880
Niles Republican, Thursday, December 23, 1880, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Death of Judge Charles Jewett
This community was startled on Monday morning last by the announcement of the death of Judge Charles Jewett, which occurred at 2 o'clock that morning. It is well known that Judge Jewett has been in poor health for a great many years, a number of the winter months each year being spent in his room, if not in bed, but the immediate cause of his death was lung fever, resulting from a cold contracted a short time before. Charles Jewett was a plain, blunt man, having no sympathy with the shame and blandishments that too often cover a bad motive or sinister intent. All men knew where he stood on all questions, whether of National or local concern. He was a man of strong friendship and lively dislike; he was frank, outspoken and bluntly honest in his expressions and dealings. He was no flatterer, and wanted no flattery. Had he dreamed, a week ago, that anything eulogistic would be written about him, he would have left a protest.
Judge Jewett was of a long-lived family, a number of his brothers, being about 90 at their death, and his sister, the mother of John G. Saxe, dying at the age of 98 years about a year ago.
Judge Jewett was a native of Vermont, and came from that State, with his wife, to his city in 1836. When he came here there were but three white families living on the west side of the river; Samuel Street, two miles west on the Chicago road; David Vanderhoof, four miles out on the same road, and Mr. Ogden, about a mile west of the village. Mr. Jewett studied law in Middlebury, Vermont, and was admitted to the bar at Cassopolis. He first office was on Front street, south of Main. He subsequently had an office in the Arcade block, which he occupied for sixteen years. He was appointed prosecuting attorney in 1837, and was elected county judge, under the old system, in 1848, served several years as justice of the peace, and was probate judge from 1860 to 1864. He leaves a most excellent wife, who deeply mourns his loss, two sons, Erwin S., of Kansas City, and Edward B., of Emporia, Kansas, and a daughter, Mrs. Wm. E. Jones, of St. Louis.
The Chicago Times, of Tuesday, has the following dispatch in reference to the deceased:
NILES, Mich., Dec. 20—Hon. Charles Jewett died at his residence, on St. Joseph avenue, at 8 o'clock this morning, in the 76th year of his age, of a complication of diseases, after a long illness, during which his sufferings were intense—Judge Jewett was born in Addison county, Vermont, June 13, 1810, and came to Niles in 1886. He was a graduate of Middlebury College, where he read law and was admitted to the bar at Cassopolis in this State, soon after he came here. He served this county as Judge of Probate, Prosecuting Attorney and County Judge, under the old judicial system, and was Justice of the Peace for many years.
Niles Republican, Thursday, December 23, 1880, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Erv. S. Jewett and sons, Masters Scovell and Harry, and Capt. Ed. S. Jewett, of Kansas city, arrived Tuesday night to attend their father's funeral.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 25, 1880, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Hon. Charles Jewett.
Again the church bell tolls, and another spirit has taken its flight to the eternal world. Judge Charles Jewett, ripe in years and crowned with honors, peacefully closed his eyes in death, at his residence in this place on Monday morning last. He had been more less of an invalid for quite a number of years past, but notwithstanding his ailments he attended to and transacted a considerable amount of legal business. His mind through all his various ailments remained clear and comprehensive, and his judgment sound and reliable to the last. Mr. Jewett was a native of Vermont, and came to Niles in the year 1835, and has been a resident here almost ever since and during this time he has filled various offices of honor and trust, Judge of the circuit court, Probate Jude, and various other offices, and in all of which he was faithful to the trust committed to his keeping, strictly honest, and honorable in all his dealings with his fellowmen. His counsel and wise judgment will be greatly missed by the many who entrusted him with their business up to the time of his death. Thus one after another of the old and valuable land marks are fading out, leaving the young generation to miss their wholesome teachings and mourn their loss. The funeral of Judge Jewett was delayed until Thursday afternoon, in order that his children from the far west and other places could get here to take the last parting look at their beloved father. Judge Jewett was in the 71st year of his age.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 25, 1880, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Ed. Jewitt, of Emporita, Kansas, and Erwin Jewitt, of Kansas City, are in our city, called here by the death of their father, Judge Jewett..