Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Hawkins, William
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
New Britain Township


   WILLIAM HAWKINS manufacturer, P.O. New Britain, was born 
in Yeovil Marsh, Somersetshire, England, March 22, 1814, and 
is the second son of William and Lydia Hawkins.  He received 
but two weeks' schooling, and his early years were spent in 
caring for his little sisters.  His parents had fifteen 
children, nine of whom grew up, were married, and in 1842 
all settled in America.  The father died at the age of 62 
and the mother at 77.  At the age of seven years William 
began to work for his support.  When eleven years old he was 
put to learn the trade of kidglove cutting.  After serving 
six months for one shilling per week, he was, in 1825, 
apprenticed for eight years.  The first year he received 18 
pence per week, and was advanced 6 pence per week each year 
until the close of his apprenticeship.  The hours for work 
were in summer from 6 A.M. till 8 P.M., and in winter from 
day-light till 9 P.M.  His master was William Snook, for 
whom he worked about six months after his apprenticeship 
expired.  Afterward he worked for Mr. C. Foan about five and 
one half years, at the end of which time he had saved about 
one hundred pounds.  He then worked six months for Mr. 
Keddle.  August 4, 1840, he was married to Sarah Gilbert, 
daughter of a respectable family, and a milliner and 
dressmaker.  Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins sailed for America on the 
9th of September, 1840, and landed in New York after a 
voyage of five weeks and three days.  Not obtaining work Mr. 
Hawkins went to Boonton, N. J., where his brother John was 
living.  Here his wife opened a millinery and dressmaking 
establishment, and soon did a good business.  June 28, 1841, 
a son was born, who died in infancy.  In 1841 Mr. Hawkins 
went to Philadelphia and engaged in business for six months 
with a partner, and afterward alone, being the first 
manufacturer of white kid in that city. Prejudice was strong 
against American made goods, but Mr. Hawkins by patience and 
perseverance overcame the difficulty.  In 1850 he 
experienced a great loss by fire. Later on (1855) he 
increased his business by dressing calf skins.  During the 
first year of the civil war (1861), he purchased a lot, and 
in the following year erected a factory where he is now.  
The loft of this factory was first used in drilling recruits 
for the army.  This place is at 206 Willow street.  In 1875 
he associated with him Lawrence Hawkins and James F. 
Radford.  The firm then assumed the name of Hawkins & Co.  
The firm takes the skins in the hair and finishes them 
complete.  They manufacture gloves, English kid, white and 
black calf, kid gloves, etc.  Hawkins & Co. sell their goods 
in all parts of the country and have a well-earned 
reputation. At the age of 21 Mr. Hawkins became a member of 
the Independent church, and continued with the denomination 
until he came to America.  When they went to Philadelphia he 
and his wife joined the First Presbyterian church of 
Northern Liberties.  In the summer of 1843 they went to 
Montgomery, Pa., and were baptized by Rev. William Mathews.  
January 25, 1846, they were united with the Second Baptist 
church of Philadelphia, and in October, 1859, Mr. Hawkins 
was ordained deacon.  In 1872 they removed to New Britain 
township, Bucks county.  Mrs. Hawkins died in 1877.  Mr. 
Hawkins has given eleven sets of Dr. Gill's Commentaries to 
different churches, and over $50,000 in money to churches 
and benevolent objects.  In politics he is a republican.