William B. Hawkins, retired farmer; P. O. Humbolt; the subject of this sketch is one of the early settlers of this township; he was born in Boone Co., Ky., July 31, 121. He married Miss Abigail Morgan Feb. 20, 1843; she was born in Ohio, and died Oct. 8, 1846; they had two children, viz., Francis M. and Louisa A.; his present wife was Miss Nancy Danner; they were married Oct. 4, 1848; she was born in Rush Co., Ind., Oct. 11, 1823; he lived about two and a half years in Kentucky,. when, with his parents, he moved to Rush Co., Ind., where they engaged in farming; he lived there until 1840; be then came to Illinois and engaged by the month on a farm on the Okaw, now in Coles Co.; he lived there about eighteen months, then went to Indiana, and lived there until 1850, when he again came to Coles Co. and settled in Humbolt Tp., about one mile from the present village of Humbolt; at this time there were less than one dozen settlers in this township; he lived on his farm until 1865, then here to the village; he was the first Township Collector in this township and served in offices connected with the school and road; he yet retains the old homestead, he takes no active part in its management; in 1866, he engaged in the drug business in this village, and continued the business until 1874, since which time he has been living retired.
