Robert Charles Hawley, Jr.
Robert Charles Hawley, Jr., an easterner by birth, has found in the rich farm lands of the middle west an ample field for advancement along agricultural lines.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the 12th of October, 1861, he is a son of Rohert Charles and Sarah (Bears) Hawley, both natives of that state. The parents left the east in 1878, making their way to Crawford county, Iowa, and here the father passed away at the age of eighty-one years, being numbered among the substantial and highly esteemed residents of the community in which he made his home. In his family were six children, who are as follows: Ella, a resident of Crawford county; Edward, deceased; Frank, also of this county; Robert Charles, of this review; Wilbur, a resident of Milford township, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume; and Sarah, who wedded Avery E. Ford, of New Haven, Connecticut.
Robert Charles Hawley, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public-school system of his native city for the educational advantages which he enjoyed. When seventeen years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, and for a number of years he made his home in Milford township, Crawford county. About ten years ago, however, he came to Hayes township, locating on the farm which is now his home. He is the owner of two hundred acres on section 18, upon which he has placed good improvements, and in the cultivation of this tract is meeting with most gratifying results. By experience he has learned the value of industry, perseverance and thrift in obtaining appreciable returns in his vocation and the capacity for industry united with the good judgment he displays in the management of his affairs has won him a measure of success that is gratifying indeed.
On the 6th of March, 1901, Mr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Laura Osterlund, who was born in Clinton, Iowa, a daughter of Lewis and Nellie (Nelson) Osterlund. Her parents were both natives of Sweden, the father's birth having occurred in Stockholm and the mother's in the vicinity of that city. They now make their home in Milford township, Crawford county.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have been born three children but one son born August 16, 1902, lived but one day, and a daughter, Nellie Irene, born July 24, 1903, died May 22, 1907, from diphtheria. Alice Marie is the only one now living.
Although reared in the faith of the Methodist church, of which his mother was a member, Mr. Hawley now attends the Congregational church of Vail. In politics he originally gave his support to the republican party but now casts an independent vote, giving his influence to the best men and most desirable measures regardless of party ties. For three years he served as trustee of his township, but aside from that has never held nor sought public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his private interests. He is well known in fraternal circles of Vail, holding membership in the Masonic lodge and also in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while he and his wife are both identified with the Order of the Eastern Star. An easterner by birth and training, he has readily entered into the more progressive spirit of the middle west, and there are combined in his nature many of the best elements of both sections, so that he is today numbered among the valued and desirable citizens of his adopted state.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.