William Hawkes

William describes himself as a bachelor and a "turner", aged 20, when his marriage banns were posted. His bride, Ann Hardy, was a spinster, aged 19, the daughter of Daniel, a tailor. William and Ann both signed the register by a 'mark'. This would indicate that neither were able to write at that time; but this fact is not surprising when it is a matter of record that not more that 5% of the population of the British Isles could read or write at the end of the 19th century. At sometime between 1884 and 1893 the family began their migrations to America. They did not all come at once; the older boys came first with their father; and then a year or so later George and Will came over together; and then a few year later, their mother and the younger children came over. They were all here by the time of the Chicago World's Fair, in 1893. On their arrival in the United States, all of them began their education, attending school as they worked. William's mother, Ann learned to read and write; and it was she who kept most of the family records in the family bible. The family accomplishments were outstanding, when you consider their early years and the impossibility to get an education until they were adults.

Lucy M. Hawkes