WILLIAM A. HAWKINS, deceased, late of Ridott Township, is remembered as a gentleman of excellent business capacity, a first-class farmer and a useful member of the community. He was a native of New York State, his birth taking place in Schenectady, July 12, 1807, and he departed this life at his homestead on section 10, May 25, 1872.

Mr. Hawkins, when a lad eight years of age, went with his father to Erie County, N. Y., where the latter for some time followed his trade of a saddler, but subsequently engaged in farming, and died in Hamburg Township when about seventy years of age. William A. was reared there by his parents and received a good education. He became experienced in the various departments of farm life, and after reaching manhood was married in Hamburg Township, in May, 1831, to Miss Phebe Salisbury, who was born in Rutland County, Vt., April 19, 1807. The parents of Mrs. Hawkins, Gardner and Hannah (Bowman) Salisbury, were born and reared in Rhode Island, whence they were both taken by their parents to Rutland, Vt., where they lived until their marriage. For some years they occupied a farm in Rutland County, and thence removed to Erie County, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their days. Their family included eight sons and five daughters, of whom Mrs. Hawkins was the second born. She was but seven years of age when her father removed to Erie County, N. Y., and remained a member of the parental household until her marriage with our subject.

Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins began life together on a farm in Erie County, where they remained until after the birth of three children, and in the spring of 1840 started for Illinois. Coming into this county they located in Silver Creek Township, whence they removed three years later to Ridott Township, where Mr. Hawkins in due time became possessor of a large tract of land. This valuable property is now held by the widow and daughter, and includes 306 acres under a fine state of cultivation, and fifty-seven acres of timber. The farm dwelling and out-buildings are shapely and substantial structures, and the stock and machinery are in keeping with the other appliances of the homestead.

The home circle of our subject and his wife was completed by the birth of five children, of whom only one is living, a daughter, Sarah, who remains with her mother. A grandson, Albert H. Newell, is also a member of the household. One of the daughters, Malinda, the mother of Albert, became the wife of Dr. Dorris Newell, of Pennsylvania, and died at her home in this township, May 15, 1873. The others deceased are Mary, Albert and Morris B. Sarah alone survives. The wife and children of Morris are residents of Florida.

Mr. Hawkins, politically, voted the Republican ticket, and had held the various township offices. Mrs. Hawkins is a lady held in the highest esteem by the people of her community and possesses more than ordinary business capacity, being well informed upon matters of general interest. Since the death of her husband she has managed her business and farming affairs in a highly creditable manner, keeping up the reputation of the homestead as near as possible in the manner designed by its founder.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)