Roy Hawkins was born in Southern Township to Fielding Hawkins and Nannie Miller on March 9, 1878. This is where the 1880 census located the farming family of Fielding 34 and Nannie 25 along with their two children Stella 3 and Roy 2. After Fielding passed away in 1892 at the age of 47 leaving three children and his wife behind, Nannie moved the family into Marion.
When the 1900 federal census was taken, the family was located in Marion in a home they claim to own and I don’t have much doubt it was located at 1100 E. Main Street where all of the family members would live out their lives. In the census, 45 year old, widowed Nannie had all three children living with her, Stella 23, Roy 22 and Fred 13. Nannie was working as a housekeeper, Stella was a dressmaker, Roy was a carpenter and Fred was a day laborer. Nannie indicated that she had birthed 3 children and 3 were living.
A 1907 Marion street directory found the family on E. Main Street with Nannie and Stella both working as dressmakers, Roy as a carpenter still and Fred working as a clerk at Campbell’s (believe this was a general store on the square).
The 1910 census found the family in the same location and Nannie 55 and Stella 33 both had the same occupations while Roy 31 was a livestock dealer and Fred 23 was a hospital attendant. Although Roy’s mother Nannie would die in 1912, the children would continue living in the same residence throughout their lives.
It was noted in a booklet entitled “Marion, Opportunity City” published in 1913 that Roy was a director of the Williamson County Fair Association and that he also served as a director on the Williamson County Agricultural Association, positions of local notoriety that he would hold well through the 1920’s.
In 1913 and 1914 Roy was elected as city alderman for the city of Marion under Mayor George B. Calhoun.
Roy’s WWI draft record from 1917-18 confirmed his residence and used his sister Stella as a contact person. He was described physically as medium build, medium height, blue eyes and light colored hair and then employed as a carpenter.
Roy was elected city commissioner under Mayor Elijah Lewis for the period of 1919-1921 and re-elected under Mayor Lewis again in the next election covering 1921-1923.
When the 1920 census was taken, there was no change of residence, Roy 41 was employed as a carpenter in a coal mine, sister Stella 43 had no occupation and brother Fred 31 was a carpenter.
A 1927 Marion street directory listed Roy as working at Lewis Coal Company and living with his siblings, Stella and Fred.
The 1930 census found them in the same residence and Fred at 43 was now head of household as opposed to older brother Roy 52. Fred was a carpenter in a coal mine while Roy was listed as a strip mine operator. Sister Stella still had no occupation listed. The family home was valued at $2,500.
In April of 1930 Ray admitted himself to the Anna State Hospital due to delusions he was having, but was released in May the same year. He was re-admitted to Anna in June 1931 due to the same delusions. His records indicated he did not drink or smoke, but was in poor health due to poor sleep.
After spending two years in the hospital Roy passed away in the Anna State Hospital where he died of tuberculosis on September 9, 1933 at the age of 55 ½. He was survived by his sister Stella and brother Fred. Burial was in Fountain Cemetery where his parents were buried.
Roy’s siblings continued living at 1100 E Main Street. His sister, Stella died on June 21, 1940. She had been born on August 14, 1876. Fred served in WWI, married Lillian Ramsey in 1940 and passed away in February 1959. Both were interred in Fountain Cemetery south of Marion.
(Sources: Federal Census records, Marion Street Directories, Marion Weekly Leader, Marion, Opportunity City, WWI Draft records, WCHS records, Williamson County in WWI. Compiled by Sam Lattuca on 4/6/2024)