 |
|
|
C.W. Hawes House, 1210 21st Street
Most Significant Unprotected Structures:
Successfully fought to bring Modern Woodmen of America's Home Office to Rock Island in the 1890s
Architectural Style:
Queen Anne
Construction Date:
1890-97
Architect/Builder:
Unknown
|
|
 |
Major C.W. Hawes, who earned his title during the Civil War as a member of the 92nd U. S. Cavalry, was born in 1841, the son of pioneer Rock Island settlers. After the war, he served Rock Island as Chief of Police and later as postmaster.
He joined a Modern Woodmen of America camp in 1885, only two years after MWA was organized. In 1890, he was elected Head Clerk. Head Clerk is equivalent to the office now known as National Secretary. Major Hawes was a man of remarkable abilities, who greatly influenced and facilitated the move of MWA headquarters from Fulton, Illinois, to Rock Island. He was assisted by a fellow member, the famous lawyer William Jennings Bryan. Despite a vote in favor of Rock Island in 1892, Fulton stalled the relocation through the court system for five years. On Feb. 15, 1897, led by Rock Island attorney William Jackson, a group of 65 men boarded a train and headed for Fulton. The group was armed with hatchets, hammers, and axes. Fulton learned of the raid, so the volunteer fire department hosed down the entrances to the Modern Woodmen office and they froze solid, foiling the kidnapping. The next attempt to hijack the MWA records took place on August 13, but was unsuccessful. Finally, with the aid of the Illinois Militia, the American Express Co. used 10 railroad cars to bring all the MWA records to Rock Island. A judge said, when reviewing the events: "The situation in this matter is most extraordinary. I do not suppose its like can be found in the legal history of this country or of any other civilized community." The case was fought through the Illinois Supreme Court twice. Four national conventions of MWA wrestled with the problem, and three times voted in favor of the move. Clearly, Hawes was on a mission. The result is that this national fraternal life insurance company is located on the Mississippi riverfront in Rock Island, Illinois.
Later Hawes was instrumental in establishing the Royal Neighbors of America as a true beneficiary auxiliary and not just a social group. He remained with MWA until 1914, when he retired due to ill health.
Early in the 20th century, Mr. Hawes and his family resided at 1216 21st Street and, for a few years, maintained what they called a summer residence at 1733 29th Street. By 1912, the family moved to their summer area permanently.
This Free Classic Queen Anne home is two and a half stories tall, with a steep hipped roof and gabled dormers. Although the clapboard walls are covered with vinyl siding, Major Hawes would still recognize this house with its full facade front porch supported with round columns with decorated capitals. There are turned balusters, and rough-faced concrete blocks support the columns. There is a two story bay on the south side of the house.
Return to MoSUS By Address page
Return to MoSUS By Name page
|
|
|
