Essays of American Revolutionaries

Shirley Stirling

He’s tall, about 6’, with a large name, Julien Bancroft-Connors, but wrote about a man who was short in stature, 5’1”, with an even larger name, George Roberts Twelves Hewes. Julien wrote the winning essay for the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay contest through the Sacajawea Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a new program working toward America’s upcoming 250^th anniversary in 2026.  

Julien comments, “I am so excited to win this contest – and I loved meeting the other students who also wrote great essays!”  

For this contest, high school students nationwide were invited to choose a person who figured in the events of the American Revolutionary era (1773 – 1783) and to research them, using primary sources as much as possible. This might include newspapers of the era, diaries, public records, and pension applications. They were encouraged to seek out and choose individuals who captured their imagination, whether well-known Founding Fathers or everyday men, women, or children. Though it is a new contest, about 2,200 students nationwide entered last year in its first round, and the total will be higher this year. The Olympia-based judges included two local writers and one historian.

In addition to Julien Bancroft-Connors, of the Washington Virtual Academy, one Olympia-based school, Sunrise Beach High School, took advantage of this contest. Participants from the school attending, accompanied by Principal Roxanne Cox, included: Chapman Anderson, Sawyer Anderson, Annalisa Born, Eliana Egrubay, Patricia Egrubay, Natsuki Kubota, and Margaret 'Maggie' Watson. Chapman Anderson, Annalisa Born, and Eliana Egrubay tied three ways for second place. They each received the book, Poplar Forest & Thomas Jefferson by S. Allen Chambers. Sunrise Beach School is also a recent recipient of the $500 Junior Classroom Grant from the Washington State DAR.

Biographies of Heroes

In addition to the Hewes biography written by Julien, here are the other heroes researched:

1. Chapman Anderson wrote on James Armistead LaFayette – mind you, NOT Marquis De LaFayette. James was an American spy, little-known in our history, but now seen as an unsung hero who helped turn the tide in several battles.
2. Sawyer Anderson, covered the story of Captain Nathan Hale, a famous American spy. Before his execution by the British, he said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
3. Annalisa Born explored the famous Mollys, loading cannons, delivering pitchers of water (as in “Molly Pitcher”), and more. Annalisa researched historical possibilities of who was who amongst the Mollys and their accomplishments.
4. Eliana Egrubay chronicled Abigail Adams and her inspirational life. Abigail said, “It’s never too late to get back on your feet. Though we won’t live forever, make sure you accomplish what you were put here for.”
5. Patricia Egrubay chose Paul Revere, who made many contributions to the American Revolution. Surprisingly, he was not known for his famous midnight ride until 100 years after his death!
6. Natsuki Kubota, an exchange student from Japan, wrote about Alexander Hamilton. Known for his great contributions to the ratification of the constitution and so much more, he was declared a genius. But he said that so-called “genius” only grew out of hard work.
7. Maggie Watson wrote about Benjamin Franklin. He was a scientist, inventor, philosopher, and a major player in the United States’ fight for independence.

The pre-Valentine’s Day award tea included both this award ceremony and the annual DAR Good Citizen Award presentation, with recognition of students from seven local high schools – stay tuned for more on the Good Citizen Program! The event was attended by about 35 people and held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Julien’s entry will go forward for consideration at the state level, then possibly the regional and national levels.  At the national level, the prizes are $2,500, $1,000, and $750.

Julien chose George Roberts Twelves Hewes because he has an exciting and researchable story, yet he is obscure now, as he was in his lifetime, so he provides a story not familiar to many. A short telling of Hewes’ life will follow, but first, more about Julien. 

About Julien

Julien was born in San Francisco eighteen years ago and lives in rural Thurston County with his parents, Joel and Jesai, two horses, two dogs, three doves, four cats, a flock of chickens, and many ducks.

He is an honor student at Washington Virtual Academy and plans to attend The Evergreen State College next fall. He participates in Running Start and is graduating with honors both from high school and from South Puget Sound Community College. He is on the President’s List for outstanding scholarship and will receive an Associate of Arts degree this spring. His career interest is in art and animation, but he shares a passion for history with his mother, Jesai, who is a member of both the Daughters of the American Colonists and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Julien holds membership in the Children of the American Revolution and is the state president of the Children of the American Colonists. He advises that he is looking for new members!  

Children of the American Colonists

Carole Holt, also interviewed for this article, served in local and state leadership roles and then as National President of the Daughters of the American Colonists from 2012-2015, traveling nationwide to all the state societies and living near Johnson Point, at the end of Nisqually Reach.

Her granddaughter, the former Reagan Zolman, served locally and as state president of the Children of the American Colonists and then national president for the school year of 2015-2016.

Carole explained, "The Daughters of the American Colonists is a lineage society dedicated to patriotism, education, and historic preservation. We are also dedicated to friendship and community service! We are reviving our children's organization, Children of the American Colonists (CAC), as the children that were active in CAC have aged out.”   

“CAC,” she said, “is a great opportunity to lead, to speak in front of a group, and to learn parliamentary procedure.  And tracing one’s ancestry back to a colonist brings history alive!” 

Julien’s Selected Colonist: George Roberts Twelves Hewes 

George Roberts Twelves Hewes was a poor shoemaker who suffered time in debtors’ prison. He was bitter about a British soldier refusing to pay for shoe repair at his shop.  Serious stuff; his experience was similar to the haircutting incident between a soldier and barber that spurred the Boston Massacre.  

He became active in the resistance and played a key part in the Boston Tea Party, served as a privateer and in the militia with many adventures.  

Years later, in the 1830s, he was contacted by writer James Hawkes who compiled his life into a popular book titled, A Retrospect of the Boston Tea Party- with a memoir of George Roberts Twelves Hewes.  

Hewes was poor throughout his life and worked long into old age, dying at the advanced age of 98. He enjoyed celebrity and respect after the publication of his life story. One of the longest-living members of the Boston Tea Party and Boston Massacre, he was active to the end of his life.  

Join CAC and Explore Scholarships, Grants, & Contests

Eligible ages for members in the Children of the American Colonists range from birth through age 22, and genealogical help is available for exploring ancestry and descent. There are no annual dues in Washington State, only a $40 application fee.

Please feel free to contact Julien through this writer’s email address and inquire about DAR-related scholarships, grants, and contests. Shirley@theJoltnew.com  

Shirley Stirling, of Lacey, writes about good things people in Thurston County are doing. If you’d like to nominate someone to be profiled, contact her at shirley@theJOLTnews.com or comment below.