American Cut Glass Association

Townsend de M[oleyns] Hawkes, vice president and secretary of T. G. Hawkes and Co., manufacturers of some of the world's most beautiful art glass, died unexpectedly at his home, 118 East Fifth street, Saturday afternoon. He had been out for a short walk with his dog and on returning to his home, had seated himself in a chair to rest, when he was stricken with a heart attach. Although his health had not been of the best recently, his death came as a shock to his family and friends.

He was born in Ireland, 69 years ago, at Kilcrea House, County Cork, October 11, 1874, the son of John Devonshire Hawkes and Emma Elizabeth Taylor, who was from County Kerry, Ireland. He was educated at King's College, Dublin, and in 1891 came to America where he quickly became associated with his cousin, Thomas G. Hawkes, who had established a glass business in this city. He was also a cousin of Samuel Hawkes, 24 West Second street, the present president of the company.

Mr. Hawkes immediately applied for citizenship papers and in 1896 became an American citizen. In 1914 he became the vice president and secretary of the T. G. Hawkes Company, the position he held until the time of his death.

The Hawkes Glass Company has been described as the "largest deep cut glass plant in America and the largest business of its kind in the world". Townsend de M. Hawkes is considered to have contributed greatly to the growth of the business and in the reputation it has gained in the production of art glass. Some of the works of the company, both cut and engraved, have received prizes for years at the Paris Art Expositions and many pieces have been bought by the European nobility. The Hawkes Company has also filled commissionsof art glassware service for the White House and for some of America's most famous families. The name is known all over the world and enjoys an enviable reputation in its field.

Abn intensely friendly and democratic person, Mr. Hawkes was well known for his civic interests and activities in the city and for his consideration of the many employees who worked for him. He was a member of the old Corning Club for many years. He serviced the Country Club as a popular president for several years, some time ago. In addition, he held a membership in the Chamber of Commerce. His family has long been among faithful supporters of Christ Church.

On June 14, 1899, he was married to Miss Margaret McClellan of Corning by the Rev. W. C. Roberts of Christ Church. They had two daughters, Evelyn Emma, who is now Mrs. Joseph W. Lalonde of South Corning and Margaret Taylor, now Mrs. Ralph W. Schusler of New York.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by three grandchildren, Jocelyn, Townsend and Irene Lalonde; two brothers, John O. Hawkes, Jacksonville, Fla. [and] the Right Reverend Frederick O. T. Hawkes, Bishop of Kingston-on-the-Thames, England; [and] two sisters, Mrs. Arthur Penrose Booth, Buxton, Derbyshire, England [and] Mrs. Frank L. Cooksley, Lindhurst, Hampshire, England.

A cousin, Mrs. Alice Hawkes Robinson, wife of Edward H. Robinson, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, was active during World War I as a nurse overseas and is now with the Canadian Women's Army Corps. Penrose Hawkes of New York is another cousin. A nephew and namesake in Florida, once in real estate, is now with the United Stated Coast Guard. Mr. Hawkes also leaves several nieces and nephews in England, New Zealand and Florida.

Funeral services will be held at the home Tuesday at 2 p. m. The Rev. Roger Alling, rector of Christ Church, will officiate. The body will be placed temporarily in the Hope Cenetery receiving vault for burial later in the family plot in the cemetery annex.

Reprinted 7 Jul 2005