Cecil Brown, Curator

Carson Valley Historic Society

1477 Highway 395 North

Gardnerville, Nevada 89410

October 17, 2000

Dear Ms. Brown;

In regard to our conversations last week, I would like to confirm that my aunt, Harriet Hawkins Cass, and her deceased sister, Helen Hawkins Gamble, would like to make a donation of their mother's wedding dress to the Carson Valley Historic Society. Their mother's name was Agnes Parson Hawkins, and she was married to my grandfather, William John Hawkins, in 1894 in San Francisco.

I am enclosing some sequential notes about the Hawkins family, much of which you already have. I will also send to you a copy of the family history which I wrote some years ago when my nephew was married. In brief, there are several pertinent connections to Carson Valley and Genoa, Nevada. They include:

1. Agnes Parson was born Nov. 3, 1959 in Douglas Co., Carson Valley, according to

family records. My grandfather was born March 29, 1857 in Washoe Co., near

Franktown, on the property owned by Mrs. Alexander Cowan (later known as

Sandy Bowers). Our history books record him as the first non-native to be born

in the state.

2. Agnes Parson and William Hawkins met in Genoa, as children, when they both

attended a school run by Sara Jane Kinsey, wife of Stephen Kinsey, founder of

of Genoa. Sara Jane Kinsey was a daughter of Mary Hawkins, the mother of the first

William J. Hawkins. Her first husband was named Thompson, and her daughter by him

was Sara Jane Thompson (Kinsey).

3. The Hawkins built one of the first houses in Genoa (a log house, I believe, now long

gone)

For these reasons we believe that the dress, should it be displayed, would have

the strongest connection with Genoa. However, we would leave its display or use at the

discretion of the Carson Valley Historic Society.

After our conversation, I would enjoy further discussions with you about pertinent

family history. It is my intention to write something about my great uncle, Lester Leander

Hawkins, older brother of my grandfather. Some notes are included with this letter. I also intend to climb "Hawkins Peak, " which was first climbed by L.L. and his step-brother Theodore. Should you know anything about this peak, I would enjoy hearing about it.

Its location is south of Woodsford and and Markleville, above the old Hawkins Ranch.

Somehow, I would hope to combine a climb of the Peak with a visit to Gardnerville, Genoa, and possibly Carson City.

Thankyou for your assistance in this matter. I do look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely yours,

William J. Hawkins, III

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