James R Hawley
Kentucky Post, Thursday, 18 February 1904, page 3
SERIOUSLY ILL-"Grandpa" Hawley, for years in the news stand and sporting goods in Cincinnati on Vine Street and known all over the country, is seriously ill at his home in the Highlands, near Ft Thomas. Ten days ago he gave up his work upon the advice of his physician and since that time has been at his home.
He is 73 and his former home was in Covington but a few years ago he moved to the Highlands where he now resides. Dr. J J Youtsey is attending him and on account of his advanced age fears for his recovery. He is troubled with Brights disease. His only child is Mrs. George Youtsey of Covington.
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Kentucky Post, Friday, 10 February 1904, page 5
UNIMPROVED-The condition of "Grandpa" Hawley of the Highlands, has not improved and it is feared the life of the veteran news dealer is ebbing away and his demise may occur very soon.
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Kentucky Post, Saturday, 20 February 1904, page 1
UNIQUE CAREER-News dealer for nearly half a century and a familiar figure to practically the entire reading public of Cincinnati, "Grandpa" J R Hawley, 73, is dead at his home near Ft Thomas Ky. Though ill for a year he had insisted on sticking to his post as long as able and until 10 days ago was at his store. The end came after 8 pm Friday. The funeral will take place Monday from the residence, interment being in Linden Grove Cemetery, Covington.
For years Grandpa Hawley's little shop on Vine Street, near Fourth was frequented by the theatrical profession and baseball payers, as well as by preachers, lawyers, doctors and other leaders in the Queen City's life. Grandpa Hawley's business prospered until several years ago, when his friends were shocked to learn the old man was financially embarrassed. A benefit was given at the Grand Opera House and snug sum was raised. He would not believe others were not equally honest. Friends remonstrated with him, telling him he should keep a closer watch in his store, that he was being robbed, but he never heeded their advice.
Customers helped themselves and then paid. Some took advantage of this.The march of times left him behind and caused his business to dwindle. He remarked frequently that big department stores were selling books cheaper than he could buy them. Sporting goods stores took that class of business away. He furnished the Cincinnati ball team's uniforms up till the last season, when he relinquished the business because he didn't have enough room in his store. Grandpa Hawley was a consistent member of the Scott Street M E Church, Covington. He never drank a drop of liquor in his life, never smoked and never chewed tobacco.
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Kentucky Post, Monday, 22 February 1904, page 5
FUNERAL-The funeral of J R Hawley, Cincinnati news dealer, took place from his late residence in the Highlands, back of Newport at 10 am Monday morning. Rev J U Darlington of hte Scott Street M E Church, Covington, officiated. The remains were interred in the Linden Grove Cemetery. The pallbearers were R F Caldwell, John F Stoors, Mont Swetman, R K Tarvin and B D Best.