From: "Industries of New Jersey: 1882

The Hewes & Phillips Iron Works. John M Phillips, Proprietor, Orange, corner of Ogden Street. — One among the large establishments in this city is the Hewes & Phillips iron and machine works, which occupy two and a half acres of ground, covering two blocks, on which are erected numerous brick structures requisite for the proper division of the various departments of the business carried on.

The work throughout are equipped with the latest improved machinery and appliances, driven by powerful steam engines, and a large force of skilled machinists and workmen are constantly employed in the manufacture of stationary and marine engines, boilers, shafting, gearing, and a general line of machinery, including machinists' tools, planes, lathes, slatting machines, gear cutters, shaping machines, hydraulic oil presses, etc., and iron and brass castings, and also the Allen patent high-speed engines.

The business of the house extends to various sections of the country, and it maintains a reputation second to no other in the character of the workmanship turned out. The business was established in 1845 by the firm of Hewes & Phillips, but since 1873 it has been conducted solely by Mr. J. M. Phillips, as proprietor. With unexcelled facilities and a splendid and untarnished career, the Hewes & Phillips Iron Works have acquired a place in the consideration of the community and have been of incalculable benefit to the city of Newark by their operations.

From: "Newark, the Metropolis of New Jersey at the Dawn of the 20th Century", 1901

The Hewes & Phillips Iron Works of Newark was established in 1845 by Messrs. Joseph L. Hewes and John M. Phillips. They incorporated under New Jersey laws at the start and there has never been a change in the corporate name then adopted.

Both of the esteemed founders, however, have passed away and the large industry which has grown from the plant they built in Ogden Street, more than fifty years ago, is now owned and controlled by the sons of Mr. John M. Phillips.

Edward L. Phillips is the president, Franklin Phillips, vice-president, George H. Phillips, assistant treasurer and Robert M. Phillips, superintendent. The works now cover one plot of ground 250 by 500 feet in area and one on the water front 150 by 200 feet in dimensions, with private wharf. Employment is given to about two hundred and fifty skilled men in the manufacturer of Corliss engines, tubular boilers, and steam fittings and the building of complete economical steam power plants of all sizes and capacity. The latter has been a leading specialty for many years and their trade in them and for all their high class products is extensive throughout the entire Western Hemisphere.

All the officers of the company were born and educated in Newark, all were practically raised in the works, so to speak, and all are prominent in social as well as business circles in this city. The company hold membership in the Newark Board of Trade and other business associations.