The Hawley Society was organized in 1923 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, by descendants of Joseph Hawley (1603-1690), believed to be one of the first Hawleys to settle in the new world. We exist to preserve the memory, records and history of the Hawley Family, and to promote friendly acquaintance and sociability among our members.

 

We were incorporated in Connecticut in 1927 and are a corporation managed by an Executive Committee who serve as volunteers. There are no employees on payroll. Membership dues help fund the ongoing operations. Two of our primary missions are continuing the search to find our English antecedents and to update and republish THE HAWLEY RECORD, 1890.

MONTHLY ARCHIVES

Happy Fourth of July

The Hawley Society wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July

It seems fitting to share the below hymn at this time.    For the dedication of the new memorial for Joseph Hawley (1603-1690) by the Society of the Hawley Family on 12 September 1924.   The following is a transcript from the event.

Unveiled in the Congregational Cemetery, Stratford, Connecticut, on September 12, 1924 at twelve noon.  Dedicatory Exercises on the Grounds.  Procession led by President of the Society, Mr Raymond Hawley, enter the Mary Silliman Gateway and proceed to grave.    Sing Anthem “America”.    Invocation by Rev George W Judson of Stratford.  Brief address “Our Ancestor” by the General Secretary.   Unveiling of the Memorial Tablet by Mr Samuel B Hawley while the following hymn was sung to the tune of “Battle Hymn of the Republic”:

The Hawleys came from overseas where once they held a place

Among the bravest and the best of the good, old Saxon race.

They fought with Dane and Norman too, when chivalry was young,

The name goes marching on

 (chorus)

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

His truth is marching on!

They helped to fell the forests and to till the virgin soil

They sowed the land with freedom and they reaped the fruits of toil.

The good, old name of Hawley on the scroll of fame appears,

While the name goes marching on

(chorus)

They lived in old New England and they kept their honor bright,

These pioneers of Stratford town who toiled and fought and died.

These men whose names are sacred, these women brave and true

Kept the name still marching on

(chorus)

Of all the nation’s heroes, the men who do the most

Are those who do their duty and among this mighty host.

The name of Hawley shineth forth in letters of pure gold,

For the name is marching on.

(chorus)

~Circulated by Elsie Hawley Platt, author of The House of Hawley
with thanks to Sally Atwell Williams for the transcript

 

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