HAWKINS, Michael 1827 - 1908

HAWKINS, MCNULTY, COLWELL, GAVIN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/25/2021 at 20:22:53

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, February 19, 1908
Page 3, Columns 3 and 4

DEATH OF MICHAEL HAWKINS.

Michael HAWKINS was born in Brackney, County Down, Ireland, December 23d, 1827, and died at his home near Glendale, February 11th, 1908.

He came to this country in 1854, finding work for a time in Michigan, but soon reached Chicago, where he helped construct the first railway from the east into that city. In 1857 he came to Iowa and was one of the advance constructors of what is now the C, B, & Q. railway, helping on bridges. October 13th, 1859, Mr. HAWKINS was married to Miss Elizabeth McNULTY at New London, and of this union were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom except one are living. Daniel E. lives in Idaho, John R. and Solomon H. in Wyoming, Mrs. Matilda COLWELL at Aurora, Ill., Mrs. Veronica GAVIN at Rome and James, Jennie and Theresa at the home. The wife preceded Mr. HAWKINS to the long home a number of years ago. Mr. HAWKINS was foreman on the railway at New London and at Beckwith for many years and was highly esteemed by his employers. He prospered, as he deserved to do, and, besides buying the late J. R. Parsons farm, bought two or three adjoining places.

In the relations of life Mr. HAWKINS was an estimable man -- his integrity unquestioned, his liberality could at all times be counted on and his kindness never refused a favor or loan to one in need He was reared in the Catholic communion and was faithful to its every ordinance. A kinder hearted man and one with a more genial smile for everyone he met never lived in this community. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. J. Hogan, who paid a just tribute to Mr. HAWKINS' upright and faithful character The body was buried beside that of the wife in Union cemetery.

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"Jefferson County Republican"
Friday, February 21, 1908
Page 5, Column 2

In Memorial of Michael HAWKINS.

Eighty-one years! "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow" said the Psalmist. Not so the closing decade of Michael HAWKINS who passed peacefully away at his home at Parsonville on the evening of February 11, 1908. With the dying day the life went out into eternity. Heart and hand became still and silent forever but his influence still lives. Mr. HAWKINS was born in Ireland and came to this country when quite young. He was married in 1859 and resided in New London Iowa until 1880 when the family moved to Beckwith where Mr. H. was appointed section foreman, a position he filled for many years, until declining age came upon him and he gave up his work and moved to his farm of which he owned about 400 acres.

He was the father of ten children, one dying in infancy, the others all grew to maturity, Mary dying a few years ago. Dan, John and Saul are in the western states and on account of distance, were unable to attend the funeral. Tillie, now Mrs. COLWELL, of Aurora, Ill., and Ronnie, now Mrs. GAVIN, of Salem and Jennie, James and Tressie who still remain at home and were able to administer to him in his last hours. He had been a sufferer from asthma and with the grippe was too much for his aged constitution and, altho' he was not bedfast, he was not feeling well and almost in a twinkling of an eye, his heart ceased beating and all was over with. He was of a strong constitution, always enjoying robust health and feebleness had never come upon hime (sic) until this winter and he had expressed himself as ready to meet his Master and to see his dear wife who had preceded him less than ten years ago and daughter Mary. He was a loving husband, kind and indulgent father. Those of us who knew him in his home can testify to his kindly hospitality and generous heartedness which will live long in the hearts of his neighbors and friends.

The funeral services were held at the home on Thursday, conducted by Rev. Father Hogan and his body was tenderly laid to rest in the Uniou (sic) cemetery by the side of his wife and daughter. The children have the sympathy of the community.

J.L.R.P.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.