Judge John Hawthone had a very famous grandson who years

after the event changed his name so he could distance himself

from his grandfather. Who was this famous literary figure?

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Explanation:

Writer of The Scarlet's letter and many other works of fiction wanted to distance himself from some of his family members, including his grandfather because he wasn't proud of they were using their positions. He believed his grandfather was not a man who was serving justice.