The full biographical sketch as printed, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
A. WESLEY HAWKINS, proprietor of the Akron Lumber Company, who is lo- cated at No. 569 South Main Street, \kron, is one of the city’s successful men of affairs. He was born in Portage Town-hip. Summit County, Ohio, in 1854. and is a son of Nel- son C., and a grandson of John Hawkins, who was one of the very first settlers in Por- tage Township.
Nelson C. Hawkins was born on his father’s pioneer farm in Portage township. Summit County, in 1821. and died in 1801. Tie as- sisted his father in developing the land from its native wilderness, but did not devote bis entire life to agricultural pursuits. For twenty-five years prior to his death, be was employed by the firm of Anltman. Miller & Company. In political sentiment lie was a Republican, and during some voars lie served as a trustee of Portage Township.
A. Wesley Hawkins was reared and edu- cated in Portage Township, and world d for about one year for the mercantile firm of Hall Brothers, at Akron, following which he was in the county recorder’s office for a short time. Tie then took a complete commercial
- •• -
. ; i
course in 0. S. Warners Business College. During the succeeding year he kept books for the firm of Oviatt A Warner, dealers in agricultural implements, when Mr. Oviatt organized a company for the manufacture of threshing machines and farm wagons, of which Mr. Hawkins became secretary, serv- ing eleven months as such at Hudson. He then returned to Akron and went to work for tire firm of Aultman, Miller & Company, for a short time, subsequently serving two years as bookkeeper for Jahant & Grey. After- wards he became bookkeeper for the Akron Lumber Company, which was operated by the Diamond Match Company. After eight years’ connection with this company, Mr. Hawkins, in association with J. IT. Dcllen- berger, in 1891, bought the plant, since which time, the firm has done a large whole- sale and retail lumber business, operating a planing mill and manufacturing sash, doors and blinds.
In 1876 Mr. Hawkins was married to Clara A. Smelts, a daughter of the late George W. Smelts, who was a postal railway clerk, residing at Akron. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have two sons, George W. and Charles W., the former of whom is book- keeper for the firm of Rohrbacher A Allen, ar Akron, the latter being employed in the of- fice of the Akron Lumber Company. Mr. Hawkins and family belong to the Congrega- tional Church.
Mr. Hawkins is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, belongs to all branches of the Odd Fellows and is also a Knight of Pythias. While not particularly active in politics, he has always shown his interest in public af- fairs and has served as a member of the City Council.
Source: Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
If this is your line, we trace it the whole way: every branch, back as far as the records go and write it up as a family history book, every source cited. No DNA test and no sales call: we take a free first look, then email you a plan and a flat price before you spend a dollar.