LESTER LEANDER HAWKINS, LIFE HISTORY IN SUMMATION
_____________________________________________________________________________
1848 - (Mar. 17) LLH born in Cleveland, Ohio. Grandson of Erastus and Betty (or Patty)
Hawkins and son of John Hawkins (1814-1881), born in Poultney Vermont, and Mary
McKee Thompson (1819-1906), born in Agnesville, Orrfield Place on the Surgan Bon
River, Ireland. Theodore P. Hawkins (1843-1925), was John's son by his marriage to
Asenath Hutchinson Hoag, and Mary had a daughter, Sarah Jane Thompson (1836-
1905) by her marriage to William Thompson. John and Mary had three sons Daniel B.
,adopted (1846-1927), Lester Leander (1848-1906), George Samuel (1853-1894), and
William John (1857-1923).
"L.L. weighed 14 pounds when born, and was always robust."
1851 - (April 1)(LLH-age 3): Began trek west from Cleveland, Ohio, with 60 wagons (later
300). (See LLH letter to Dan Hawkins, Dec. 16, 1904)
"Mother walked nearly every step of the way from the Missouri River to Salt Lake
and much of the way drove one of the teams, and carried L.L. on her back because
he was the baby."
(Theodore P. Hawkins letter, 1910)
1851 - "The Hawkins family consisting of father, mother, daughter, and three sons of
whom the youngest, aged three years, was L.L., set out for the West from the City
of Cleveland, Ohio, in the Spring of 1851."
(Theodore P. Hawkins letter, 1910)
1854 - "In 1854 John Hawkins took up squatter rights for the land in the area of the
springs. From then on, until 1878, the Hot Springs property was owned by some
member of the Hawkins family. They built a house and ran cattle and sheep on
the meadow. In 1878 a half interest was sold to the Grover family.
(See Alpine Heritage,May 1987, pp.54)
"The first settler arrived ten years later John Hawkins, a farmer from Vermont lived
in Woodfords, homesteaded Hot Springs Valley in 1854.
(Source: Alpine Review, Vol VII, No. 1, Winter 2000)
1855 - Mrs. Alexander Cowan arrived in Genoa w/ probate Judge Orson Hyde.
1856 - Stephen Kinsey brought back bridge from Salt Lake (Sara Jane Thompson),
daughter of Mary (Thompson) Hawkins. Built Kinsey house in 1856 (still standing).
(Had a school in the "Seminary" in the Kinsey orchard -- where WJH and Agnes
Parsons attended school)
1857 - (Spring) - "Then we moved onto the place now known as the Twaddle Ranch, and
fenced and put into cultivation a piece of land and brought water from Leighton
Creek, now known as Aphir Creek for irrigation purposes." (LLH letter, 12/16/04)"
LLH began "common school."
"Leander, now nine years old, had, up to this time, taken his schooling in the
"university of hard knocks." From what he afterward became, one is inclined
to a great respect for that institution. However, in the winter of 1857 he began
attending school with his older brothers in Franktown. His first teacher was Len
Wines, afterward head of the famous Overland Stage Company whose stages
crossed the plains, handling the continental traffic until superseded by the
railroad."
(Gaston, "Portland, Its History and Builders)
1858 - LLH worked for Peter Van Sickle. Not paid by Sickle for year's work.
1858 - Territorial Enterprise founded in Genoa and moved to Carson City in 1859. Mark
Twain did not work for the paper at this time. He did later stay at the Roycroft
Hotel in Genoa.
(Source: The Genoa-Carson Valley Book, May 2001)
"Twain knew L.L. and WJH "well." received letters?"Carson City was us," Sam
would say. (Source:
The Territorial Enterprise was moved to Virginia City in 1860.
1859 - (June) Comstock gold discovered - Sandy Bowers and Elly Cowan made their
fortune.
1859 - LLH "started out for himself (11 years old)
"By the spring of 1859 Leander, grown to be a self-supporting young man of eleven,
struck for himself in the big world."
(Gaston, "Portland, Its History and Builders)
Family "moved on "Lucky Bill's" Ranch, known as Cloler." Fall of 1859
1860 - Pahute War. "All went to Placerville and stayed (until) late Spring of 1860
"Settled on Hawkins Ranch, Alpine co. In Spring timber cut for miners."
1860-61 - LLH and Theodore P. Hawkins rode for Pony Express (Ben Holladay's line)
"He (L.L.) was one of the far-famed "pony express" riders in the prerailway days. He
took the bag from "Snowshoe" Thompson at Hawkins ranch and rushed it through
Carson Valley to Genoa."
"With this "pony express" business there is a thrilling romance associated in which
the boy L.L. was the hero of two women who loved him, active participants. One of
these women was Mrs. Bowers, the "Washoe Seeress" before mentioned, who
had a motherly regard for the daring pony rider: the other an Indian maiden whose
sentiments toward him could hardly have been called motherly. The two
together saved the boy from the Indians who had marked him for destruction to
prevent his carrying through the valley the hated "picture talks."
(Col. L.L. Hawkins, Portland, Its History and Builders. Gaston)
1860-66 -Worked for John Childs on his ranch, going to school at Kate Child's home in
Jack's Valley.
1863 - Pony Express rider with Col. Dosch (later residing in Portland), from Lake Bigler to
Mt. Camp
1864 - Grover Hot Springs ---owned by Hawkins, was "regarded as a resort and bathers
were soaking in the pool which at that time was eight ft. deep and 12 ft. in dia."
"In 1866, John Hawkins leased the valley to C.H. Kilgore who ran a diary business
in partnership with Dan Hawkins In 1874 Alvin Merrill Grover obtained an
interest in the land and built a bathhouse. By 1895 ownership had passed to Grover.
(See Alpine Review, Winter 2000, Grover Hot Springs)
1866 - LLH began college at Oakland College School (later the University of California)
broke horses on his vacations, split poses, drove logging teams, worked in sawmill
- organized among students the first outing parties into the high Sierras."
Source; Oregonian, March 5, 1905
1867 - Mary Hawkins - "Hotel Proprietress at Cary's Mill, now called Woodfords"
See Alpine Heritage, May 1987, pp.20)
1869 - LLH climbed "Hawkins Peak." Inscribed on a rock at the summit is:
L.L. HAWKINS
Age 21
Aug. 1869
"STET" ("Let it stand" in dictionary)
1869 - Mary Hawkins bought $16 in stock of Pennsylvannia Gold and Silver Mining Co.
1870 - LLH was with Joseph Le Conte on trip described in "Ramblings of a University
Excursion Party," by Le Conte. His friendship with Le Conte was life long. He also
met John Muir on this excursion, who also maintained a long-standing friendship.
Le Conte said of L.L., "Lieutenant Leander Hawkins, Strong, thick-set, almost
herculean in build. Mounted on a fierce Indian pony as wild as a deer, which he rides
with a rope around his nose instead of a bridle, and a blind across the forehead
which may be slipped over his eyes at a moment's notice. He is evidently a most
fearless rider and horse breaker." " Hawkins observed yesterday for the first time
that his horse is badly foundered. He takes another horse here and by preference a
powerful young horse upon which man never sat before. Think of going the most
terrible mountain trail on such a horse. He mounted his horse just before we were
ready to start and in half an hour had him tamed completely." See quotes about
departure from group.
(Col. L.L. Hawkins, Portland, Its History and builders., pp. 205)
1873 - Graduated from Oakland College (later, University of Cal,Berkeley), one of "Twelve
Apostles" (12 Apostles included Colonel Edwards, Reinstein, Hawkins, Wetmore,
Ainsworth, Bud, Woodward, Scott, Rhoda, Otis, Newmark, Bolton (2 were later
Governors of California). Later, LLH received the first graduate degree from the
University. Later was employed as United States Mineral Surveyor
1873 - PHOTOGRAPH: at graduation from Univer. of Cal.
1873 - PHOTOGRAPH: "College of Letters, Univer. of Cal. (Dec. 1873)
1873-79 - taught mathematics and civil engineering at Oakland College. Did considerable
surveying: City of Genoa (1874), Monitor, Nevada, and in Portland)
1874 - (Feb.21)LLH gave book by Joseph Le Conte ("Religion and Science") to his father,
John Hawkins, from Univerty of Cal., Berkeley
1874 - (Sept.) Map of Genoa, Douglas Co., Nev. - surveyed by LLH
1879 - PHOTOGRAPH: "Sophomore Class at Field Practice," U of Cal., May 1879
1879 - "L.L. Hawkins, Agent for J.C. Ainsworth, R.R. Thompson, E.B.
Babbit," Offices at 31 1/2 Front Street, Portland (Oregon Steam Navigation Co.
building). On back of card: "L.L. Hawkins, No. 70 Oak St. Portland, Agent for
California Vigorit Powder Co.'
(See business card)
1879 - LLH came to Oregon to represent interests of Capt. J.C. Ainsworth and the Oregon
Steam Navigation Co. in Portland; worked "knocking out bottom of Snake River,"
Monumental Rapids, under government tract;" in charge of portages at Cascade
and Celilo for two years; changed 14 mi. of narrow gauge to standard gauge from
The Dalles to Celilo in 5 hrs. and 20 min.
1879 - George J. Ainsworth purchased Klosterman Building, named it in honor of his
College Literary society (LLH was also a member). George Ainsworth was later
appointed Regent of the University of California. He died in 1895.
1880- John Muir - visit to Portland -- Robert Moran, Judge John Waldo, L.L. Hawkins,
William G. Steel, and Philemon Beecher Van Trump -- each influenced by Muir
and helped him in joint conservation efforts and to est. foundation for early
conservation movement on the Pacific Coast.
1881 - WJH came to Portland (age 24 yrs.), worked for O.W.R. & N Co. as keeper for
graders. Contracted for 5000 Chinese to come to U.S. Cleared $40,000
Ainsworth, Hawkins & Co. established a bank in Eagle City, Idaho (beginnings of
Ainsworth National Bank (which later purchased/merged with the U.S. National).
1881-82 - LLH - Charter Member of Arlington Club
(See history of club, "regular members who signed constitution and by-laws
in 1882 through 1895)
1882 - WJH - "the accident" in Idaho -- robbery attempt. Tried to kill him. Shot in thigh
1882 - John Hawkins died in San Francisco, buried in Genoa.
1882 - PHOTOGRAPH: 270 Oak Street, Ainsworth National Bank in house
1882 - PHOTOGRAPH: 270 Oak Steet, house where WJ and LL lived and set up business.
1882 - (Jan.11) Letter from George J. Ainsworth to W.J. Hawkins in Idaho Territory
1882 - Member of Arlington Club
1883 - President of Portland Hydraulic Elevator Co. (representing interests of Capt. J.C.
Ainsworth)
"He was a leader in the organization of the United States Electric Company in
which he was a stockholder up to the time of its consolidation with Portland
Railway, Light & Power Company."
(pp. 207, Gaston, Portland, Its History and Builders)
1883 - Ainsworth, Hawkins & Co. Eagle City, Idaho (beginnings of banking business)
On the 1885 letter head: W.J. Hawkins (Manager), J.P. Marshall (Cashier, (Capt.)
J.C. Ainsworth, L.L. Hawkins, George J. Ainsworth, and W.J. Hawkins
(See Announcement of Nov. 9, 1885)
1883 - PHOTGRAPH: LLH and W.J. Hawkins
1884 - (March) W.J. Hawkins "..with $40,000 on a toboggan, 15 ft. of snow, pulled toboggan
over Old Baldy, highest mt. on Bitterroot range. 1884 established bank. Paid $8 log
for building bank - $250 for 1000 ft. whip sawed lumber. Got as high as $20 for
changing $100 bill. 10,000 people came into mining country that winter. By first of
June most everyone went to Murry."
(Reminiscences of William John Hawkins, 1923)
1884 - "Ainsworth & Company, Bankers," established July 1, 1884. Capt. J.C. Ainsworth,
George J. Ainsworth, W.J. Hawkins. A branch bank was located in Eagle City, Idaho,
under name of Ainsworth, Hawkins & Co., with W.J. Hawkins, Manager, J.P. Marshall,
Cashier. (See announcement card, Portland, July 1st, 1884)
1884 - PHOTOGRAPH: Ainsworth & Co. Bankers, ,
1884 - (July 1) Founding of Ainsworth & Company , Bankers. L.L. Hawkins, Manager
1884 - Bank Panic - "In the year of the panic, L.L. Hawkins, a partner of Capt Ainsworth
and manager of the Ainsworth Bank, offered the bank's safe for the club's
valuables and papers." ("Arlington Club, and the Men who Built It, Centennial
Anniversary., pp. 86)
1885 - Opening of Ainsworth National Bank in Ainsworth Bank Building
1885 - LLH -First President of the Ainsworth National Bank. Directors were Dr. W.K. Smith
(Vice-President), William J. Hawkins, (Manager), Preston C. Smith, J.P. Marshall
(Cashier). Stockholders were Capt. J.C. Ainsworth, Dr. W.K. Smith, W.J. Hawkins,
Preston Smith, J.P. Marshall and W.S. Charleston. Captain George J. Ainsworth
is noted as a "proprietor" in the 1885 newpaper article.
1885 - PHOTOGRAPH: Ainsworth National Bank commenced business in new building
1885 - "Mr. L.L. Hawkins formally of Genoa is interested with a company which is
introducing a new system of electric light in Portland." (Genoa Weekly Courier,
(Friday, Jan. 30, 1885, Genoa Weekly Courier)
1885-1906 - Treasurer of the Boys and Girls Aid Society of Oregon (founded 1885)
1885? PHOTOGRAPH: Tallyho "Jupiter" with children from Boys and Girls Aid Society.
1885-95 - President of the Ainsworth National Bank
1885- (Oct.23) "Mr. L.L. Hawkins of Portland, Ore., was in twon last Wed. visiting his
mother and sister, Mrs. AS Kinsey and departed for Carson early yesterday
morning to meet the Virginia train. He took yesterday evening's train to San
Francisco on his homeward journey. This was the first visit that Mr. Hawkins has
made to Genoa in the past 5 years. He owns 1/2 interest in the Ainsworth Bank at
Portlandd." (Genoa Weekly Courier) friday.
1886 - Mary Hawkins moved from Hawkins Ranch in Alpine Co. into the Stephen Kinsey
home, Genoa, Nevada. (SEE PHOTOGRAPH OF HOME)
1886 - Petition signed urging President Cleveland to create Crader Lake National
Park (finally achieved in 1902) -- signed by Waldo, Steel, Muir, LLH, Linsley,
Judge George, H.L. Pittock, Rev. Elliot, Judge Deady, W. Ladd, H. Failing, H.
Corbett. 17 yrs. to succeed.
1887 - Listed in first Portland Telephone Co. directory (No. 209)
1887-94 - Treasurer of Portland Electric Cable Car (Railway Co.)
1887 - (July 23) Portland Cable Railway Co. Incorporated by T.C. Murphy, A.W. Wright, Jr.
J.C. McCaftrey, and Joseph P. Thompson. (See 1892 sale_
1888/9 - Benus Mill, northeast of Markleville, run by steam using a circular saw, was
purported to cut 25 thousand to 35 daily. When timber became scarce, the mill
was moved to the Hawkins Ranch in 1888 or 1889 and became known as the
Diamond or Colin Sawmill."
(See Alpine Heritage.
1889 - Bond in Deed held for Lincoln Park (Owners: White & Hart ($10,000); Russell &
Macleod ($7.500); George S. Clarke ($5,000); Charles L. Clarke ($5,000); G.G.
Gammons ($5,000); L.L. Hawkins ($5,000); F.A.E. Starr ($5,000); Joseph W. Bailey
($5,000); Harriet Bolles ($2,500).
1889 - (June 21): Mary Hawkins moved from Alpine to Kinsey home in Genoa.
(July 5): L.L. Hawkins visted Mary Hawkins at Kinsey home.
(July 12): visit "to the lake" (Tahoe?) "took a numer of view in the vicinity of
Glenbrook, crossed lake to Tahoe City, down by way of Truckee. "will visit
southern California."
1890? PHOTOGRAPH: Ainsworth National Bank
1890 - Clohessy & Strengele's Map of Portland, Oregon, 1890, showing Ainsworth Bank
in border, L.L. Hawkins, President.
1892 - (Jan.9) William J. Hawkins marries Agnes M. Parson, San Francisco
Settled in Portland, living first in Portland Hotel, then had apt. in Marquam Block.
(Jan. 10, 1982 - San Francisco Cronicle; Genoa Weekly Courier, Jan. 15)
1892 - (Aug. 30) Portland Cable Railway Co.'s property sold ($800,000 loss) by sheriff to
J.P. Marshall, C.H. Woodward, President, Ira B. Sturgis, V.P. and L.L. Hawkins,
Treasurer. (Source: Hist. of Col. Riv. Valley, pp. 510, Vol.I)
1892 - (Sept.3) - Tallyho ride for wives of Odd Fellows, SEE`scroll of appreciation to LLH.
1893 - National Recession --
1893 - Death of Capt. J.C. Ainsworth, which altered business relationship within the bank.
In National Recession of 1893 LLH. lost $250,000. As was custom, he personally
covered all bank losses. John Churchill Ainsworth took over bank, forcing debt
settlement in Ainsworth National Bank stock.
1894 - (July 19) Mazama organizational Climb of Mt. Hood. LLH elected first treasurer of
Mazamas on summit. Henry Pittock, member of climbing party)
PHOTOGRAPH: Summit of Mt. Hood
1894 - WJH, AGNES - daughter Margaret born, Portland (LLH resided with Hawkins fam.)
1894 - Trip to Genoa, Nevada
1894 - Tallyho Jupiter in Portland flood (SEE FLOOD PHOTO)
1894 - (Nov. 15) - Oregon National Guard recognition for LLH, signed Col. Beebe.
PHOTOGRAPH: L.L. RECOGN. LETTER
1895 - Death of George J. Ainsworth, half-brother to J.C. Ainsworth
1895 - Director of Portland's Mechanics Exposition (the result of promotion was the
Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905)
1895 - PHOTOGRAPH: "Officers of the Mazamas, 1895," LLH treasurer
1895 - Coaching party toured Porland in Tallyho "Jupiter."
1895 - PHOTOGRAPH: Coaching Party, University of California Glee Club, and Stanford
University Mandolin Club. (LL.H., class of '73) June 18, 1895
1895 - Mazama Heliographic Party on Portland Heights, attempting to send communication
from British Columbia to Mexico. Heliograph constructed by LLH in 1895
PHOTOGRAPH: Heliographic installation
1895 - Settlement of debt to estate J.C, Ainsworth (500 shares of Ainsworth National
Bank and some other debts).
- W.J. Hawkins loaned to John Ainsworth 10 sharess of Ainsworth National Bank
stock and -----accomodation to be returned in 60 days.
1896 - (May 9) Letter "This is to certify that LL Hawkins has this day acquitted himself of
every and all obligations of what ever name or nature, either remote contingently or
otherwise to the Ainsworth National Bank and is held free and harmless for any and
all personal liability up to this date." signed J.P. Marshall (Cashier), Thomas Connell
(Director), and J.C. Ainsworth (President).
(See The Ainsworth National Bank letter, No. 3402, May 9, 1896)
1896 - Disposal of Cyclorama property
1896 - Oregon Road Cycling Club trip to Vancouver, Wa. (Henry Pittock in photograph)
1896 - PHOTOGRAPH: Bicycle trip
1898 - Member of the Oregon Emergency Corp (Spanish-American War)
Was made an honorary "Colonel" of the Emergency Corp. Used this title thereafter.
1898 - PHOTOGRAPH: Oregon Emergency Corp, May 17, 1898
1898 - (July 21) Mazama trip to Mt. St. Helens, with photographer Edwin Curtis
PHOTOGRAPH: Edwin Curtis was a friend and photographed the expedition.
1899 - John Muir visit to Portland, Mazama reception, Will Steel and LLH present
-question of grazing on forest lands in Oregon Cascades -- Mazamas unsure.
"Met Hawkins - said he did not like to fight like Quixote on sheep question or any
other, fat, easy and obliging."
1900 - (June 9) "Mazamas' First Outing" atop Council Crest to celebrate marriage of W.G.
Steel (names on back of photograph)
1900 - PHOTOGRAPH: Mazamas' First Outing"
1900 - Portland Board of Park Commissioners authorized by State legislatively, approved
by City charter -- "victory for Rev. Thomas lamb Eliot and Lester Hawkins."
1901 - (July 15) Mazama outing to Mt. Hood with Henry Fielding Reid of Baltimore.
- William J. Hawkins born, Portland (4th and Lincoln)
1902 - Wrote article for John Borroughs Club on birds.
1902 - Article, "Prehistoric Man in Oregon," archeological and geological Specimens
in City Museum
1903 - (July 18) Annual Mazama outing to Three Sisters, climbing all three peaks.
1903 - PHOTOGRAPH: swimming in lake on West side of Three Sisters, Photo by Rodney
Glisan, LLH on left.
1903 - As member of Park Board, brought John Olmstead to Portland, giving him extensive
tour of possible city improvements. Most become Portland parks.
1903 - (April 24) Letter from John Law Olmstead to his wife. References carriage ride with
Lester Leander Hawkins through hills of Portland.
1903 - (April 25) Letter from John Olmstead to his wife. "he is very fine of nature and good
to children." He is a retired banker and rich "they say."
1903 - (Nov.22) Seaside trip with Scientists (M. W. Gorman, Prof. E.P. Sheldon, LL Hawkins,
Fred Miller, John Gray, "Fritze's dog," and F. H. Kiser, photographer)
Recorded "biggest Tidewater Spruce in the world (trunk 30 ft. 11 in. dia.)
(see Morning Oregonian artical, Friday, Nov. 27, 1903). PHOTOGRAPH of tree.
1903 - LLH sells Tallyho Jupiter (remained unpaid after his death).
1904 - (May 8) Newpaper article "From Inspiration Knoll in Macleay Park'
1904 - (Feb.?28) Newspaper article: "To ascend Mt. Shasta," by Mazama party. Curtis
collection shown, as well as photos by by G. Lombardi, AH.T. Bohlman. Col.
Hawkins acted as Master of Ceremonies.
1904 - (Nov. 12) Invitation: Captain Bony of the Fr. Bk. "Ville de Mulhouse" for lunch on
ship
Daughter Helen born to WJH and Agnes Hawkins, at 4th and Lincoln hm, Portland
1905 - (July 25) At Nisqually Glacier (Source: Paper?, "Tacoma, Tuesday, July 25, 1905)
1905 - Founding member of Oregon Academy of Science.
- Sara Thompson Kinsey, step sister, died In Genoa, Nevada
1905 - PHOTOGRAPH: Founders of Academy of Science (Sunday Oregonian, March 5)
1906 - WJH and LLH appointed appointed administrators of estate of Robert R. Thompson
1906 - (Sept. 18) Mary Hawkins died, buried with her husband John in Genoa, Nevada
1906 - (Feb.12) Letter from Abigail Scott Dunniway to Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Hawkins
" There is no death; what seems so is transition."
1906 - (Jan 10) "Void: All these papers are now dead & void, but must be kept for a
possible reference. This is the last of the "Ainsworths. Thank God." LLH
1906 - (Mar.11) LLH died after returning from a trip, at his brothers home at 4th and Lincoln.
1906 - PHOTOGRAPH: Flowers at grave, Riverview Cemetery
1906 - (Mar.17) Artcle, Evening Telegraph:
1906 - (May 17) Letter to Mr. Wm. J. Hawkins, acknowledging gift of large painting of
Crader Lake, which had belonged to LLH. Signed, Will G. Steel, Cor. Sec'y, Mazamas
1907 - WJH and Agnes Hawkins, daughter born: Harriet at 4th and Lincoln home.
1907 - (Feb.) - Completion of 1903 sale of tallyho coach, "Jupiter," to J.W. Hill, including (4)
sets of harnesses and other trappings
1908 - (Mar.8) Stephen A. Kinsey died in Genoa.
1910 - (July 12) LLH life history by W.J. Hawkins (12 pages)
- Mytle Street house built (PHOTOGRAPH)
file:llhawk1