Guide to the Papers of the William George Hawkins Family, 1780-1882

Repository
Heinz History Center
Title
The Papers of William George Hawkins Family
Creator
William George Hawkins family
Collection Number
MSS#77
Extent
1 cubic feet
Date
1780-1882
Abstract
William George Hawkins is a significant figure in Western Pennsylvania because of his legal and political career. Most of the material pertains to William Sr.'s law practice and political offices.
Language
The material in this collection is in English.
Author
This guide to the collection was originally prepared by David Obringer in July 1988. The finding aid was rewritten and arranged by Stephen Doell on October 15, 1993. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process in Spring 2000.
Sponsor
This finding aid has been encoded as a part of the Historic Pittsburgh project a joint effort of the University of Pittsburgh and the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. Funding for this portion of the project has been donated by the Hillman Foundation.
Publisher
Heinz History Center
Address
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Biographical Sketch of William George Hawkins (1799-1876)

William George Hawkins is a significant figure in Western Pennsylvania because of his legal and political career. After serving in the state senate for six years (1826-1832) he moved to Pittsburgh to establish a law practice and other business ventures in 1832. Early in his career he worked with the son of Robert Whitehill (1735-1813), statesman, early abolition pioneer, and bill of rights contributor.

Hawkins married Elizabeth Hill (c.1800-1824), daughter of Colonel Rees Hill in 1820. They had two children, Jane Minor (1821-1852) and Reese Hill (1823-1851). His second wife was Margaretta Dillinger (1803-1890), whom he married in 1829. They had six children, Anna (1831-1857), Minerva (1833-1867), James (1835-1911), John (1838-), William George, Jr. (1840-1913) and Mary Margaretta (1846-1862).

Scope and Content Notes

The Hawkins Family Papers are housed in one archival box and arranged alphabetically by folder title with miscellaneous material in the rear. Most of the material pertains to William G. Hawkins, Sr., his law practice and political offices. The two correspondence folders mainly include inquiries from constituents and colleagues regarding favors, pending legislation and business dealings besides the law firm. There is some material from Hawkins's father-in-law, Rees Hill, including general correspondence and business files. The miscellaneous correspondence includes invitations, clothing receipts and other sundry items.

Most of these documents concern disputed land titles, contested wills, and estates in probate. The miscellaneous items include insurance policies held by Hawkins or his clients, legal documents originating from Robert Whitehill, invitations, a Hawkins-Hill genealogy, receipts and newspaper clippings. These materials reveal the issues and concerns of western Pennsylvania citizens during the antebellum period.

Arrangement

The legal documents are arranged alphabetically according to client's name with miscellaneous legal files placed in a separate folder.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These materials were received in a series of accessions between 1932 and 1937.

Accession # unknown. Gift of Mrs. Beatrice Hawkins, daughter of William George Hawkins, Jr. from 1932-1937.

Preferred Citation

The Papers of William George Hawkins Family, 1780-1882, MSS #77, Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David Obringer in July 1988.Finding aid rewritten and arranged by Stephen Doell in October 15, 1993.

Revision and rearrangement for the encoded version of the finding aid provided by Janet Begnoche on March 30, 2000.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or publish, please contact the curator of the Archives.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Hartley family.
    • Hayes family
    • Henderson, Daniel.
    • Hill, Rees.
    • Whitaker, Aaron.
    • Workman, James.

    Geographic Names

    • Pennsylvania -- Politics and government

    Other Subjects

    • Law -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh.

Container List