Biographies
For
Muscatine County Iowa
1889



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 571

CYRUS HAWLEY, who was numbered among the pioneers of 1840, was a native of Norfolk, Conn., where his birth occurred on the 16th of October, 1808. He was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, whose parents were Earl P. and Irene ( Frisby ) Hawley ; but not one of that number is now living. Charlotte was the eldest of the family, and was followed by Lucia, who became the wife of Israel Dickinson, of Wilksborough, Pa.; Laura married Franklin Thurston, who died in New Albany, Ind.; Maria, wedded Mr. Crow, of Jeffersonville, Ind., and Olive died at Norfolk, Conn.

At the age of nineteen our subject left his home and started out in life for himself, securing employment with Collins & Company, as traveling salesman in the Southern States, where he sold axes and other farm implements. The succeeding four years were passed in that employment, after which he was employed in the same capacity by the Sparks book firm ; the largest firm of that kind in Boston at the time. For several years he worked for Mr. Sparks, and then, wishing to become a resident of Louisville, Ky., removed to that city in 1836. While there making his home, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Wilson, of Pittsburgh, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 21st of September, 1836. The young people began their domestic life in that Southern city, where they remained until 1840, at which time they determined to cast their lot with the pioneers of Iowa, and boarded a vessel which carried them to their destination. It was the same vessel which bore the news of the election of William Henry Harrison to the people of the State. Mr. Hawley located with his family upon land situated twelve miles south of Muscatine, where he engaged in farming for a period of three years, when he removed to the city. After engaging in business for some time he again turned his attention to farming, and made his home on Muscatine Island, but once more he abandoned agricultural pursuits and returned to Muscatine, where in 1850, he began the manufacture of brick, which he continued until 1862. At that time he embarked in the insurance business, which he followed until called from the earth by death.

In the month of September, 1850, Mr. Hawley was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. Seven children were born of their union : Theodocia died in infancy in Louisville, Ky.; Ellen M., was born in Louisville, Dec. 5. 1839, and married F. E. Humphreys, and now resides in Mason City, Iowa ; Theodocia, born March 21, 1841, married F. L. Underwood, and is living in Kansas City, Mo.; Cyrus Albert, born Jan. 1, 1843, died Jan. 12, 1856 ; Laura L. Blanche, born Sept. 11, 1845, became the wife of Capt. W. A. Clarke, and died May 17, 1885 ; William A., born Nov.26, 1847, died on the field of battle at Kennesaw Mountain, July 4, 1864 ; Martha Jeffery, born July 27, 1850, married E. Holmes, of Kansas City.

In 1852 Mr. Hawley was again united in marriage, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Metteer, a daughter of Charles and Zilpha ( Whitaker ) Metteer, and a resident of Blue Grass, Iowa, though formerly residing in Broome County, N. Y. The family circle of this worthy couple was completed by the birth of five children : Charles D., born June 20, 1853, died March 14, 1854, in Muscatine ;Lucia W., born Dec. 12, 1854, died in November, 1875 ; Cyrus E., born Aug. 29, 1858, died March 28, 1861 ; Frances E., born Nov. 25, 1861, is at home ; Cyrus L., born jan. 19, 1864, married Flora Sawyer, of Picton, Canada, and is now paying-teller in McCormick & Company's Bank of Salt Lake City, Utah, where he resides.

In 1877 Mr. Hawleys death occurred. Since 1840 he had been prominently identified with the history of Muscatine County, and was honored as a pioneer and citizen. For many years he lived the life of a true Christian. He was never known to speak an unkind word of a fellow man, but was always ready to aid and encourage others in the struggle of life. and his presence was ever welcome in all homes, and in every circle of society.


Back to 1889 History of Muscatine Co. Index Page

Back to the Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb Index Page