Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 913.
 
RHESA A. HAWKINS

     of the firm of Hawkins and Rinehart, is one of the leading business men of
the country.  Mr. Rinehart is now sheriff of Lake county and the firm conducts a
large sawmilling business, while also they own a ranch and buy and sell stock.
Mr. Hawkins resides in Crooked creek valley, Lake county, sixteen miles north of
Lakeview.  He was born in the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, on July 15, 1857, the
son of Rhesa and Eliza (Crabill) Hawkins, natives  of Virginia.  He was the
youngest of a family of nine children and his parents both died in Virginia when
he was a small boy.  Thus he was early called to meet the responsibilities and
hardships of life and he got his education as best he could, growing up amid
these adversities.  In 1878, he determined to try his fortune in the west and
although he was without means, he succeeded in borrowing enough to pay his way
to the Surprise valley, California.  The next year, 1879, he came on to Goose
Lake valley and worked in a sawmill for Mr. Russell for three years.  He not
only was enabled to pay up all his debts but by economy and thrift saved some.
Then he returned to Surprise valley and engaged with his brother, John Hawkins,
in a flour mill at Cedarville, California.  Two years later, he sold out to his
brother, who is still operating the mill.  He returned to Lakeview in 1887 and
bought a half interest in a sawmill near where his mill is now located.  His
partner sold out to Elmer E. Rinehart and together Messrs. Rinehart and Hawkins
have operated the business since.  They do an extensive business and are well
known and thoroughly reliable men.
     On November 26, 1887, Mr. Hawkins married Lena Best, the daughter of John
C. and Anetta Best.  She was born in Missouri and came with her parents to
California in early days.  Soon they moved to Lakeview, where they reside at the
present time.  Our subject, as stated before, began early in life to do for
himself and by his labors and careful management has come to be one of the
well-to-do and leading citizens of Lake county.  He is a member of the I.O.O.F.,
the encampment and the A.O.U.W.  Personally, he is a sociable, kindly man, has
many friends and is one of the active elements in the upbuilding of the country.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2011 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.