Capt. Joseph Blewer

~• Journals <project> Oct. 14, '79
https://preserveoldswedes.org/2017/10/captain-joseph-blewer-1734-1789/

Rev. Carl Magnus Wrangel married Joseph Blewer and Sarah Lindenmeyer at Gloria Dei Church on September 26, 1759.

Joseph Blewer being a ship captain assumed an active role in the War of Independence. In November 1775 Captain Blewer was in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was directed by General George Washington to deliver a letter to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. In June 1776 Benjamin Franklin and others including Captain Blewer met at Carpenter’s Hall creating the Committee of the City, Council of Safety.

A meeting of the Council of Safety was held on August 14, 1776. During this meeting by order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay to Captain Joseph Blewer £8 1s. 6d., for eighteen Muskets bought of him by the directions of this Board. At another meeting, Joseph Blewer was appointed to employ people to build ten flat-bottom boats for transporting Troops. The Council of Safety met in September 1776 appointing Captain Blewer, Captain Gurney, and Mr. Samuel Cad. Morris to form a regular Muster Roll for the Navy of this State. October 1776 found Captain Blewer appointed to sound the eastern channel of the Delaware River, near Fort-Island (known today as Fort Mifflin) and to give directions for stopping passage.

Captain Blewer attended the Pennsylvania Navy Board meeting on May 29, 1777. During this meeting, the first bill for colors for the fleet was approved. “An order on William Webb to Elizabeth Ross for fourteen pounds, twelve shillings and two pence for making ships’ colors, etc., put into William Richards’ store, £14.12.2.”

June 21, 1777 Joseph Blewer signed the Oath of Allegiance renouncing and refusing allegiance to George the third, King of Great Britain. Captain Blewer remained an active member of Gloria Dei and was laid to rest on July 1, 1789 in the graveyard. As you enter the Church, his grave is located immediately to the left of the doors. This flat tombstone is one on the list to be restored.