11/01/2026
Notable of the Month - Joseph Hawley (1826-1905)
A graduate of Hamilton College, Joseph Hawley practiced law in Hartford. He later worked in the newspaper business, eventually purchasing the Hartford Courant.
At the start of the Civil War, Hawley enlisted in the Union Army. He served in 13 battles and as military governor of Wilmington, North Carolina. He mustered out of service as a Major General in 1866.
After the war, Hawley became active in politics, serving as Governor of Connecticut, U. S. Congressman, and U. S. Senator. He also served as president of the U. S. Centennial Commission.
Hawley and the Commission spent five years planning the first World’s Fair to be held on U. S. soil. The Centennial Exposition opened to great fanfare on May 10, 1876.
Hawley is laid to rest in Section 1.
