My Genealogy Hound

P. HALSEY HAWES, Clerk of Schuyler County, was born in the town of Hector, this county, November 28, 1857, being the son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Halsey) Hawes. He represents the third generation of the family that has resided in this locality, his grandfather, Jonas Hawes, having removed hither in an early day and made settlement in the town of Hector, where he resided for a number of years, or until his death.

The father of our subject was born in Schuyler County, this state, on his father’s farm in Hector. He became a member of the firm of Squires, Wilcox & Co., who were engaged in merchandising at North Hector. In 1875 he went to Michigan on a business trip, and died there. His wife, who still survives him, is a resident of Watkins. While he never became very wealthy, yet he was well-to-do, having through his excellent management and industry accumulated a competency, which enabled him to surround his family with every comfort and give his only child, our subject, an excellent education.

In the town of Hector, upon the old homestead of his grandfather, Halsey passed the days of childhood and youth. After spending some years in the public schools he entered Cook’s Academy, where his education was completed. On leaving school he came to Watkins and secured a position as clerk for Charles S. Frost, with whom he remained for five years. In 1883 he entered the employ of Durland, Smith & Co., dealers in hardware, with whom he remained in the capacity of bookkeeper until January 1, 1894. In 1893 he was elected to the office of County Clerk, the duties of which he assumed January 1, 1894, for a term of three years. As an official, he is prompt, energetic, faithful and efficient, and the manner in which he is discharging the duties of his office is winning him the approbation of the people of the county. He is a stanch Republican, and never loses an opportunity to advance the interests of his party.

On New Year’s Day of 1880 Mr. Hawes was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Macrury, daughter of John Macrury, a prosperous farmer of Schuyler County. They are the parents of three children, namely: Edna E., Chester A. and Margaret L. Socially Mr. Hawes is connected with Jefferson Lodge No. 332, F. & A. M.; Watkins Chapter No. 182, R. A. M.; and St. Omar’s Commandery No. 19, K. T., of Elmira. With his wife he holds membership in St. James’ Episcopal Church, in which he is a Vestryman. He is a man who possesses in a marked degree the confidence and respect of the people of the village and county, for his course in life has ever been upright and honorable.