. History of Steuben County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers. Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794. JUDGE WILLIAM M. HAWLEY. With the eminent lawyer whose name stands at the head of this sketch is associ- ated much of the history of Steuben County and Western New York, while the record of self-made men presents few higher triumphs of unassisted energy and exertion than is exhibited in his life, for he was in every sense the architect of his own for- tune. It has been truthfully said that those
. History of Steuben County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers. Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794. JUDGE WILLIAM M. HAWLEY. With the eminent lawyer whose name stands at the head of this sketch is associ- ated much of the history of Steuben County and Western New York, while the record of self-made men presents few higher triumphs of unassisted energy and exertion than is exhibited in his life, for he was in every sense the architect of his own for- tune. It has been truthfully said that those who, in the commencement of life are compelled to struggle with difficulties, determined to overcome them, have the key to success in their hands. Judge Hawley entered the battle of life, compelled to contend with herculean diffi- culties,and when, like Antaeus, he was sometimes obliged to touch the earth, he sprang again to the contest with renewed energies, which at length gave him the victory. He was born in the county of Delaware, N. Y., Feb. 13,1802. His father was one of the early settlers of that county, a farmer by occupation. His means were limited, and he could afford his children but few advantages for education. Young Hawley very early evinced a desire for knowledge, and the few advantages within his reach were eagerly seized by him and turned to best account. While very young a friend of his father lent him "Plutarch's Lives," which he read not only with avidity, but understandingly, and through his whole life that great biographer continued to be his favorite author among the ancient writers. So retentive was his memory, that once reading a work he could repeat verbatim large portions of its contents. His memory was truly remarkable. He early conceived the thought that he should one day become a lawyer, and this idea was the theme of his ambition, the controlling motive of his life. Upon reach- ing his majority, with no fortune except strong hands, a vig
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