Wilbur Hawley
Coming of good New England stock Wilbur Hawley has demonstrated in his life those principles of perseverance, energy and progressiveness which seldom fail to lead to success. He is the owner of a valuable farm in Milford township which under his skillful management produces good crops and yields a handsome annual revenue.
He was born in Connecticut, January 12, 1864, a son of R. C. and Sarah (Bears) Hawley, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. The family came west and settled in Crawford county, the father attaining an enviable position as one of its respected and successful citizens. He passed away at the age of eighty-one. There were six children in the family, namely: Ella, who now lives in Crawford county; Edward, deceased; Frank, of Crawford county; Robert C., also of Crawford county; Wilbur, of this review; and Sarah, now the wife of Avery E. Ford, of New Haven, Connecticut.
Wilbur Hawley received his education in the public schools and early became acquainted with the various details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. He continued with his father until thirty-two years of age, in the meantime conducting a country grocery store, driving through the country about two days a week buying eggs and giving groceries in exchange tor them. He packed the eggs during the summer months and shipped them to the eastern markets during the winter. While engaged in this business he also assisted his father in the work of the home farm and during the winter when his duties were not so arduous he bought poultry, which he dressed and shipped to the eastern markets. In traveling over the country he gained a large circle of friends by his upright and honorable dealings.
He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, one hundred and sixty of which formerly belonged to his father, while the eighty acre tract he has purchased since his marriage. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and ships cattle and hogs to the market each year. In 1908 he had the misfortune to lose his home and nearly all its contents by fire. Although he carried no insurance he is not a man to yield to discouragement and he erected a beautiful modem residence of two stories, which is provided with all desirable conveniences. He has made practically all the improvements that are to be seen on his farm and the well cultivated fields and excellent appearance of everything about the place reflect great credit upon his industry and judgment.
On October 7, 1896, Mr. Hawley was united in marriage to Miss Anna Siegel, a daughter of Carl and Barbara (Kocum) Siegel. There were seven children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Siegel, five of whom survive: Frank and Louis, both of Crawford county; Anna, now Mrs. Hawley; Mayme, the wife of William Maynard, of Crawford county; and Carrie, now Mrs. Floyd Chapman, also of Crawford county.
Four children bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hawley: Raymond Ford, Grace Carol, Robert Theodore and Wilbur C., who was born June 23, 1907.
Mr. Hawley gives his allegiance to the republican party, whose principles he regards as essential to the permanent prosperity of the country. Fraternally he is identified with the Royal Neighbors and in religious belief he affiliates with the Presbyterian church. He is a substantial and enterprising man who recognizes his obligations to the community and is ever ready to assist in promoting the general welfare. He enjoys an extensive acquaintance in his section of the county and has fairly earned the respect in which he is held by his neighbors and friends.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.