H

HAWKINS FAMILY

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James Boyd Hawkins
 



John D. Hawkins, Jr.
 


Hawkins Family Cemetery

Hawkins Lake House

Original Hawkins Family Home

Rugeley-Hawkins Family Cemetery

 


HAWKINS FAMILY


Written by Herbert Fargo Clark II
Great Great Grandson of John D. Hawkins, Jr.

 

The youngest son, of twelve children of Col. John Davis Hawkins of “Spring Grove” estate in Franklin County, N.C. and Jane Anderson Boyd of Boydton, Virginia. At the age of twenty three years James Boyd Hawkins married Ariella Alston of Halifax County, N. C. on 02 Feb. 1836 in Butterwood, N. C.

While still in North Carolina, James and wife Ariella “Ella” reared six children: Sally, Willis (married Leah T. Irwin, 03 Nov 1857 in Warren County, NC, and later served in the Caney Mounted Rifles of Matagorda County, and died in the War of Northern Aggression in 1863, buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, NC), Virginia, James Jr., John D., and Ella (died young). The family moved to the banks of Caney Creek, near the coast, in Matagorda County, Texas in 1846. James bought a number of slaves with him from N. C. to work his new Sugar Plantation of 3074 acres (originally part of Colonial Headright League of Land) purchased at prices from three to five dollars per acre.

James and “Ella’s” first born in Matagorda County was Frank Hawkins who would marry Elmore Rugeley, in 1887, and eventually manage the J. B. Hawkins stock ranch (over 40,000 acres) from the Hawkins’ palatial plantation home on Lake Austin after the days of sugar and molasses manufacturing for the Southern Cause. Other Texans born to James and “Ella” were Annie (died in infancy), and Charles Edgar (married Annie Hardeman, 06 Jun 1880).

The Matagorda County, Texas plantation was a combined venture between J. B. Hawkins and his younger brother, by eight years, John Davis Hawkins, Jr. of Franklin County, N.C.

John D. Hawkins, Jr. established “Swan Lake” cotton plantation (1973 acres), bordered by Swan Lake in the west and in the east by the western bank of the Tallahatchie River, in Tallahatchie County, Ms. about 1850 with slaves from Franklin County, North Carolina. The 1850 slave census of Franklin County shows him with seventeen slaves, ten of them women. Additionally, John D. Hawkins, Sr. had moved from Warren County to his “Spring Grove Estate” in Franklin County and in 1850 had fifty eight slaves.

The J. B. & John D. Hawkins, Jr. slave list is in John D. Hawkins, Jr. hand and contains the enumerations plus names, sex, ages, and special skills.

In 1852, the J. B. Hawkins and John D. Hawkins, Jr. plantation on Old Caney housed twenty nine of John D. Hawkins, Jr. slaves moved from Swan Lake plantation to Caney Creek. At that time, J. B. Hawkins had thirty three slaves working the Caney Creek plantation along with ten slaves belonging to his mother-in-law Sallie M. (Potts) Alston.

In 1856, James B. and John D. purchased a “negro girl Eliza, age about 27”, for $900 from Tom G. Forister and wife. She subsequently gave birth on 16 Sept. 1856. She and the child, along with twelve additional John D. Hawkins, Jr. slaves were relocated from Mississippi to Matagorda County in October 1856.

The above totals eighty six slaves, the majority from North Carolina that was relocated to the James B. & John D. Hawkins, Jr. plantation on Caney Creek, Matagorda County, Texas.

Slave values were from $150 for a one year old child to $1200 for Ezehill. Horace, a house servant, was valued at $800. Osborn, a brick mason, at $1000.

The six oldest slaves were all “fifty” except Shade who was fifty-five. There were approximately nine children five years or younger. There were approximately twenty-seven women.

Of extraordinary interest is the “1867 Voter’s Registration for Matagorda County, TX”, precinct 2, dated August 13 which shows the following Hawkins from North Carolina (and number of years in Texas): Washington (20), Horace (20), John (14), and “Andy” i.e. Anderson (21). As these four individuals are listed on the J. B. & J. D. Hawkins, Jr. slave list and none (except John, James’ son, who had been in Texas 21 years) are family first names from N. C., nor are James B., Frank, or Edgar on the 1867 voter’s registration list, I surmise these four individuals are ex slaves registered by the Carpet Baggers.

After the civil war and the loss of slave labor, the plantation on the Caney began using convict labor and as late as the 1880 census employed four convict guards.
 


1888 Newspaper Account of Trip Through Matagorda Tells About People, Lands and Development

Col. J. B. Hawkins has an elegant residence located in the midst of a 30,000 acre pasture a few miles further on the Matagorda road. It is surrounded by a charming grove of forest trees planted by the colonel, who was absent from home, on his Caney plantation. But we found the latch string on the outside, and Mr. Frank Hawkins and his charming young wife, nee Rugeley, ready to tender a kind hospitality. Col. Hawkins also has an apple orchard, now laden with fruit. Mr. Frank Hawkins has a steam yacht, on board of which he entertains his friends in excursions on Lake Austin. From the observatory above the mansion, Matagorda, sixteen miles distant, was plainly visible. Mrs. Hawkins has a penchant for poultry, and some three or four hundred answer her call for the distribution of feed. Mr. Hawkins represents the colored element as being perfectly quiet, orderly and contented.

--The Daily Tribune and The Matagorda County Tribune, Century of Progress Edition, Section Four, August 26, 1937 Quoting a publication of a newspaper, The Old Capital, published in Columbia, Texas, Saturday morning, July 14, 1888.
 

 


Frank Hawkins Family

By Mary B. Ingram

Frank Hawkins, son of Colonel James B. Hawkins, was born on the Hawkins plantation in Matagorda County on December 18, 1849, three years after his father had moved to Texas from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He was the second youngest of a family of five boys and two girls. In 1887 he married Elmore Rugeley, eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. H. L. Rugeley. To this union five children were born: Henry Boyd, Meta, Jane, Elizabeth, and Elmore.

Frank Hawkins attended Austin College, later was in a preparatory school at Frankfort-on-the-Main in Germany, and finished at Ashley College in England. He returned to Matagorda County to manage the Lake Austin Stock Ranch, and made it one of the finest ranches in the county and the state. He was very systematic and business like in his management practices, and was admired by citizens of the community. In 1898 he organized the first bank of Bay City, the Bay City Bank, which later became the Bay City Bank and Trust Company.

Frank Hawkins died on February 25, 1901, in Austin, Texas. On the day of his death, the businesses in Bay City were closed to honor him. The Weekly Visitor, Bay City, dated March 1, 1901, noted: "Mr. Hawkins was very liberal and his death will bring many to a full realization of the worth of friendship like this. He was ready to help anyone worthy of help and sympathy. He was kind and sympathetic and was always free to advise and quick to help young men who had ambition to make something of themselves."

Meta Hawkins married James Claire Lewis, a member of another prominent Matagorda County family. Their children were Frank Hawkins, Margaret, and James Claire, who died in infancy. Frank Hawkins Lewis married Florence Neely and they had four children: Frank, Jr., Janet, Meta, and James. Margaret Lewis married Austin Furse and they had four children: Janie, Austin III, John, and Mary.

Elmore Hawkins married Esker McDonald and they had no children.

Janie Hawkins was the manager of the Hawkins Ranch during her lifetime, and was respected by the community.

Elizabeth Hawkins, a unique and interesting person, was known for her hospitality and generosity in entertaining the youth of the community with beautiful parties, especially on graduation from high school.

The Hawkins Ranch was still operated by the family in 1984, and the home on Lake Austin continued to be the scene of many family gatherings -including the weddings of fifth generation descendants of Colonel James B. Hawkins and Ariella Alston Hawkins.

Historic Matagorda County, Volume II, page 224
 


Frank Hawkins Dead
Matagorda County’s Banker and Stockman Passes Away at Austin at 8:30 o’clock Monday Morning.

Business Houses Closed

Died, at the Millett Mansion, Austin, Monday morning, February 25th, 1901, at 8:30 o’clock, from Bright’s disease, Mr. Frank Hawkins, interment taking place in this county near Van Vleck on Wednesday at 4 o’clock p. m.

The death of Mr. Hawkins was not unexpected to many friends here, yet the sad news was a shock to them, for they still hoped that relief might be had; that medical aid would be availing, and that his condition was not so serious. The announcement cast a gloom over our city and county, and the respect shown his memory by the business men of the city on the day of the funeral is evidence of the high esteem in which he was held by all.

Deceased was born in this county on the Hawkins plantation December 18th, 1849, three years after his father, the lamented Col. James B. Hawkins, had moved to Texas from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He was second youngest of a family of five boys and two girls, only one of which survive him, Mrs. E. G. Brodie of Henderson, N. C. In 1887 he was married to Miss Elmore Rugeley, eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. H. L. Rugeley, who died in 1896. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive him.

After a course of study in the schools of Germany, he engaged in stock raising for which he had a natural inclination and together with his father purchased the Lake Austin ranch, one of the most expensive as well as highly improved in the coast section, and which he followed up to the time of his death. In all of his business undertakings he was successful, conservative and cautious, but when once fully decided on a course could not be swerved.

He was president of the Bay City Bank, which was organized in 1898, and which, like all of his other business ventures was proving highly satisfactory to him, and in which he took especial pride, which is best proven by the provision he had made that the institution should go on in case of his death just as during his lifetime, with no diminution of capital or responsibility.

Mr. Hawkins was very liberal and his death will bring many to a full realization of the worth of friendship like his. He was ready to help anyone worthy of help and sympathy. He was kind and sympathetic and was always free to advise and quick to help young men who had ambition to make something of themselves.

Indeed is his death a heavy blow to his aged mother, who herself has been lying at death’s door for sometime. She couldn’t understand why her son came not to see her, she not knowing his condition, which was kept from her. Of all her trials and affliction this is the most severe.

The remains, in charge of Dr. H. L. Rugeley, who accompanied deceased on his visit to Austin, arrived at Van Vleck on Tuesday afternoon where they were met by members of the Knights of Pythias lodge and conveyed to the Cookenboo hotel where they remained until Wednesday afternoon and then interred in the family burying grounds near that place, resting by the side of his wife. The ceremonies were conducted by the Knights of Pythias and were very beautiful, at the close of which Rev. Day offered a very touching prayer. The greater portion of our citizens attended the funeral services, all business being suspended from 12 o’clock until after the ceremonies.

The Visitor extends to the family condolence. The keenness of their loss is fully appreciated and felt by the people of our whole county.

A light has gone out.

In Memory of Frank Hawkins

“Feb. 25th, 1901.—Mr. Frank Hawkins died at 8:30 this morning.”

None but the recipients of such cruel messages can realize the poverty of the English language.

No word to soften or mitigate; no word of coming back; no word of hope; just the cold, cruel words, “died at 8:30 this morning.” Ah! The bitterness of it! But it is sadly true. The good citizen, the devoted father, the faithful friend, is gone to come no more. The hand so readily extended in the cordial clasp of friendship is now cold and pulseless. The features erstwhile glowing with geniality, now wear the majestic dignity of death. Why is it so?

Who can solve the mystery of life or death? Love mourns for answer and Faith beats her wings against the questions as ‘gainst prison bars.

The shuttle lies idle. Warp and wool with its strange intermingling of sunshine and shadow, human frailties and Godlike virtues have come to an end. He who dares may take the standard of a gentleman and measure the web of his life.  A Friend.

Bay City, Feb. 26, 1901

The Weekly Visitor, March 1, 1901
 

Mrs. Elmore Hawkins

Bay City, Matagorda Co., Tex., April 7.—Died on Saturday, April 4, Elmore, wife of Mr. Frank Hawkins, aged 29 years.

Mrs. Elmore Hawkins

Matagorda, Tex., April 6.—Died at Lake Austin, sixteen miles east of Matagorda, on April 4, Mrs. Elmore Hawkins.

Galveston Daily News, April 9, 1896

 

 

 

Photo of Elmore Hawkins Rugeley
courtesy of
Bob Powell



 

Henry Boyd Hawkins

Cedarvale Cemetery

Photo courtesy of
Faye Cunningham

 



 


James Claire & Meta Hawkins Lewis
 



 
Janie Hawkins

Cedarvale Cemetery

Photo courtesy of
Faye Cunningham


Elizabeth Hawkins

Cedarvale Cemetery

Photo courtesy of
Faye Cunningham

Funeral Services Thursday For Mrs. Elizabeth Hawkins

Funeral services will be from Taylor Bros Funeral Home Thursday morning at 10 for Mrs. Elizabeth Hawkins. The Rev. Aubrey C. Maxted of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will officiate.

Mrs. Hawkins, a life long resident of Matagorda County, succumbed to an extended illness at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston Tuesday at noon.

She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. J. C. Lewis, Mrs. Esker McDonald and Miss Janie Hawkins of Bay City.

Pallbearers are Wade and Wyatt Ashcraft, Billy Penny, Charles Cobb, Frank Montague, Dick Bachman, Frank Hawkins and Henry Rugeley.

Daily Tribune, March 20, 1957
 


Esker L. & Elmore Hawkins McDonald
 

 


Janie Hawkins
 



 


Hawkins Pioneer Rancher

Editor’s note: The following article, compiled through the efforts of Frank Lewis, Jr., recounts the accomplishments of an early day Matagorda County cattlewoman, Janie Hawkins. Other such Texas pioneer cattlewomen will be featured this weekend at Keye Ingram Auditorium in an Institute of Texan Cultures exhibit entitled “Ranch Women.”

Janie Hawkins, a life-long resident of Matagorda County, spent portions of four decades managing the Hawkins Ranch and kept an eye on the operation until she died in 1958.

She was the daughter of Frank and Elmore Rugeley Hawkins. Both James Boyd Hawkins and John Rugeley, her grandfathers, settled on Caney Creek in the early 1840s. They were listed on the 1840 and 1850 censuses as planters and ran large plantations, growing cotton, corn, and sugar cane—the major crop in the early days of agriculture in the county.

After the Civil War, the Hawkins family tried to grow sugar cane with the use of convict labor, but since the demand for cattle was growing and they had land more suited for cattle than farming on Lake Austin, they slowly moved into the ranching business.

Janie Hawkins’ parents died when she and her three sisters and brother were at a young age. They lived with her maternal grandparents Henry L. and Elizabeth Rugeley. Upon completing private school she attended Key Kidd College with her sister Meta.

Once the Hawkins children reached adulthood they began the job of managing their property, forming a partnership to combine the property into the Hawkins Ranch.

Janie managed the ranching operation and sisters Meta and Elmore managed the farming operation. One of the first decisions Janie made was to introduce Brahman bulls into the cattle operations. Some of the bulls came from the Pierce Estate and others came from J. D. Hudgins.

Like on many ranches Janie had a foreman who ran the day-to-day operations, but she was there almost every day to see that everything ran smoothly. If she needed some extra ranch hands, the foreman would usually hire some of the tenant farmers or members of their family to help do whatever was needed at the time.

Since there were fewer roads in the county and fewer trucks and trailers to haul cattle, demand was high for horses on the ranch to tend the cattle. Janie had to keep a herd of horses to supply the ranch hands when they worked the cattle.

One year, Janie took a trip to New York City to watch a rodeo there. While there, she was put in the spotlight and introduced to the rodeo fans as being the supplier of the calves in the calf roping event and the bulls in the bull riding event.

She was interviewed by J. C. Marr for his University of Texas thesis on Matagorda County in 1927. The subject of ranching probably did not come up in the interview, but she did have a part in preserving some of the county’s history.

Daily Tribune, Monday, February 26, 1990
 

 

Copyright 2006 - Present by the Hawkins Family
All rights reserved

Created
Mar. 18, 2006
Updated
Apr. 5, 2021
   

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