Individual Details
Peter M. (Pehr Martin) Hawkinson
(1 Nov 1858 - 2 Aug 1927)
Peter ‘s name is “Hokanson” in many places throughout the late 1800’s and that is the name on his marriage certificate when he and Christine Johnson were married April 19, 1884.
In 1888 he owned 80 acres in section 26, Harris township. By 1914, in addition to his original 80 acres in Harris township, he owned an adjoining 77 acre parcel in section 26.
Fifth Anniversary Book, The First Lutheran Church, Harris MN, August 9-10, 1941
The SVEA Society of the Harris Lutheran Church was organized February 25, 1898, with P.M. Hawkinson as a charter member. He also served as its first vice-president. The SVEA Society met in the church auditorium once a month.
The usual order of their meeting was to begin with songs and scripture followed by a program. The name was changed sometime between 1903 and 1907 to The Swedish Young People's Society, and changed again to Luther League.
The First Lutheran Church of Harris was organized on January 30, 1901 with Peter Hokanson and Christina Hokanson joining as charter members just a little later.
Of all the children of Anders and Anna, Peter is the most mentioned in the local newspaper:-
North Branch Review, 27 Nov 1891, p1, c5
Peter M. Hawkinson is getting quite a trade among the hunters in the vicinity of Harris, and the past week he received three Ballards for as many deer hunters here, and has another half dozen ordered. He is in favor of the grand wolf hunt.
Another article on the same page said "Every sport hunter and has been in the county is enthusiastic over the scheme and efforts will be made to have the hunters are Harris and Sunrise act with North Branch in making one grand round-up of the wolves, which are just now so numerous in the vicinity of the towns. There is no denying these cowardly animals are getting altogether too familiar. Their long drawn out and short yelps can be heard at almost any hour of the night, and in the day time they think nothing of trotting alongside of a farmer's wagon, just to keep him company--ane make a few nervous chills run up and down the inside of his shirt. Reports have reached here that a child was killed by wolves north of Harris . . . a grand round-up will clean out a considerable number of them . . . it is estimated that 300 men can be got in line from the neighborhood. A circle, say 6 or 8 miles in diameter, can be formed . . . there's no question that a number can be killed, and the bounty, if there is any, can be used to furnish a feast all around."
North Branch Review, 8 January 1892, p5, c3
Peter M. Hawkinson, a potato raiser, and among the prosperous ones, too, from near Harris, paid the Potato metropolis and the Review a visit last Monday. Besides being a cultivator of the "Murphy", Mr. Hawkinson is also the inventor of the "Beetle Killer", a horse power sprinkler that does deadlier work among the potato bug than the gattling gun on the field of battle. He made his first machine seven years ago, and it was such a grand success that his neighbors were using it about all the time. Finally he began to receive orders for the sprinkler, and then it occurred to him that there was merit in his invention, and accordingly two years ago he had the bug terminator patented. Mr. Hawkinson claims that with the "Beetle Killer" he can "paris green" two acres with one pound of the poison, and do it thoroughly, and that he can cover 15 acres of potato tops in ten hours. This year he has more orders for the machine than he can fill, and is now busily engaged in manufacturing them.
North Branch Review, 15 Jan 1892, p5, c3
Peter M. Hawkinson, the Harris inventor, was mingling with the throng on the streets Wednesday.
North Branch Review, 25 Mar 1892, p1, c3, "Harris Hustlings"
P. M. Hawkinson made a business trip to Minneapolis the fore part of last week. He says he can't supply the demand for the potato sprinkler. Orders are coming in from all over the states.
North Branch Review, 2 Sep 1892 , p5,2
Peter M. Hawkinson, the Harrisite who claims to have the champion potato bug exterminator in the northwest, spent a portion of Tuesday among friends here.
North Branch Review, 16 Dec 1892, p5, c3
Peter M. Hawkinson of Harris, inventor of the "Bug Killer," did shopping here Tuesday, and among other things purchased a new cutter.
North Branch Review, 7 Jul 1893, p1, "Harris Hustlings"
The streets were lined with leomonade, ice cream and peanut stands on the Fourth. The fakir was also on hand with his shell game and wheel of fortune--the 117th anniversary of the independence of the united colonies of America was gloriously celebrated. When the morning train, which was filled with North Branchers, arrived from the south, the parade took place. Following F. G. Palmer, marshal of the day and the North Branch Cornet band, was a float illustrating the potato industry of the city with the inscription, "Harris, the Potato Metropolis of the Word--1,668,752 1/2 bushels shipped last season." Also in the parade was P.M. Hawkinson with his "potato sprinkler". Baseball, dinner, races, fireworks and dancing completed the day's festivities.
North Branch Review, 19 Jan 1906
P. M. Hawkinson and C. Baker attended the insurance meeting at Spring Lake Saturday.
NB Review, 17 Jun 1909, p8, Chain Lake Items
A party was given by P. M. Hawkinson's last Friday evening. A large crowd was present and all enjoyed a good old fashioned time.
NB Review, 8 Apr 1909, p5, North Branch Briefs
P.M. Hawkinson, of Harris, was one of the out of town farmers who attended the Institute here Tuesday.
[The Institute was conducted by experts from the agricultural school and the Review estimated that between four and five hundred people attended.]
NB Review, 23 Sep 1909, p8, 1, Harris items
P. M. Hawkinson was a Saintly City visitor on Monday on business.
North Branch Review, 16Jul1914
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Swenson, Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Hawkinson and Mrs. and Mrs. Sam Sybrant, Fred Hawkinson and Anton Peterson autoed to Taylor Falls, Shafer, Center City and Lindstrom Sunday.
North Branch Review, 30Jul1914
Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Swanson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Steinke and P. M. Hawkinson took an auto ride Sunday taking in Braham, Grasston, Rush Lake, Greely and Pine City.
NBR, 20 Nov 1917, p3, c1, Harris news
P. M. Hawkinson and Dave Collins were callers at North Branch Saturday.
North Branch Review, 3 Aug 1917, p3, c3, Harris news
Henry Hawkinson is spending a week's vacation at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Hawkinson.
NBR, 10 Jul 1919, Harris items
P. M. Hawkinson was in the Cities Saturday, to meet his son Fred, who has just returned from overseas service.
NBR, 14 Aug 1919, Harris news
A number of our local farmers interested in potato marketing and grading were in North Branch last Saturday to attend a farmers; meeting, called together for the purpose of forming a Chisago County Potato Growers' Association and electing delegates to represent local growers at a convention in St. Paul, which is to decide grades for potatoes. Chisago county delegates were instructed to work for a one and three-fourths inch screen for round varities and and an inch a half screen for the more slender-waisted of the tubers. One delegate was elected for each shipping point. P. M. Hawkinson represented Harris at the St. Paul convention, which met Monday.
North Branch Review, 12May1921
Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Hawkinson and Mrs. Waldo Hammegren were Rush City callers Friday.
North Branch Review, 29Sep1921
P.M. Hawkinson was a Milaca caller Sunday.
North Branch Review, North Branch MN, 11Aug1927, p1.
PETER M. HAWKINSON ANSWERS DEATH CALL
Death again has reached out and taken one of Chisago county's pioneer citizens. A sudden heart attack caused the passing of Peter M. Hawkinson at his home near Harris on Tuesday afternoon, August 2. Mr. Hawkinson's death was
unexpected as he was busily engaged about his home when the attack came. On that morning he had taken down his windmill and was busy in his workshop making repairs when he was taken violently ill and in a short time passed on.
Peter M. Hawkinson was born in Sweden, November 1, 1858. At the age of nine years his parents came to America and made their home at Fish Lake where Peter spent his boyhood and grew to manhood. In the early '80's he procured a part of the land of his present estate and began farming for himself. On April 19, 1884 he was married to Christina Johnson and to this union five children were born.
Mr. Hawkinson had been a member of the Harris Lutheran church since its organization, being one of the charter members. He was also a charter member of the Tictin Camp Modern Woodmen of America.
As a friend, neighbor and citizen he was highly respected and loved by his fellowmen. He was never too busy to help friends in need and because of his mechanical ingenuity and willingness to help often led to the benefit of his
neighbors and friends while his own interests suffered. Mr. Hawkinson took an active part in school, village and county affairs and at many times had served on various boards governing town and school affairs.
At the time of death Mr. Hawkinson was 68 years, 9 months and 1 day old and he leaves to mourn his sudden departure his wife, Mrs. Christina Hawkinson, three sons, Henry, Fred and Edwin, all of Minneapolis, and two daughters, Mrs. Waldo Hammergren of Hinckley and Mrs. Aug. Ackerman of Minneapolis. There are also eight grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held last Friday afternoon at the home and from the First Lutheran church. Rev. Nordin officiated and spoke in both the English and Swedish languages. He left a great message of love and hope. Mr. and Mrs. W. D. O'Brien sang two very appropriate vocal duets. The church was filled to capacity with loving relatives and admiring friends who had gathered to pay their respects to a beloved citizen.
In 1888 he owned 80 acres in section 26, Harris township. By 1914, in addition to his original 80 acres in Harris township, he owned an adjoining 77 acre parcel in section 26.
Fifth Anniversary Book, The First Lutheran Church, Harris MN, August 9-10, 1941
The SVEA Society of the Harris Lutheran Church was organized February 25, 1898, with P.M. Hawkinson as a charter member. He also served as its first vice-president. The SVEA Society met in the church auditorium once a month.
The usual order of their meeting was to begin with songs and scripture followed by a program. The name was changed sometime between 1903 and 1907 to The Swedish Young People's Society, and changed again to Luther League.
The First Lutheran Church of Harris was organized on January 30, 1901 with Peter Hokanson and Christina Hokanson joining as charter members just a little later.
Of all the children of Anders and Anna, Peter is the most mentioned in the local newspaper:-
North Branch Review, 27 Nov 1891, p1, c5
Peter M. Hawkinson is getting quite a trade among the hunters in the vicinity of Harris, and the past week he received three Ballards for as many deer hunters here, and has another half dozen ordered. He is in favor of the grand wolf hunt.
Another article on the same page said "Every sport hunter and has been in the county is enthusiastic over the scheme and efforts will be made to have the hunters are Harris and Sunrise act with North Branch in making one grand round-up of the wolves, which are just now so numerous in the vicinity of the towns. There is no denying these cowardly animals are getting altogether too familiar. Their long drawn out and short yelps can be heard at almost any hour of the night, and in the day time they think nothing of trotting alongside of a farmer's wagon, just to keep him company--ane make a few nervous chills run up and down the inside of his shirt. Reports have reached here that a child was killed by wolves north of Harris . . . a grand round-up will clean out a considerable number of them . . . it is estimated that 300 men can be got in line from the neighborhood. A circle, say 6 or 8 miles in diameter, can be formed . . . there's no question that a number can be killed, and the bounty, if there is any, can be used to furnish a feast all around."
North Branch Review, 8 January 1892, p5, c3
Peter M. Hawkinson, a potato raiser, and among the prosperous ones, too, from near Harris, paid the Potato metropolis and the Review a visit last Monday. Besides being a cultivator of the "Murphy", Mr. Hawkinson is also the inventor of the "Beetle Killer", a horse power sprinkler that does deadlier work among the potato bug than the gattling gun on the field of battle. He made his first machine seven years ago, and it was such a grand success that his neighbors were using it about all the time. Finally he began to receive orders for the sprinkler, and then it occurred to him that there was merit in his invention, and accordingly two years ago he had the bug terminator patented. Mr. Hawkinson claims that with the "Beetle Killer" he can "paris green" two acres with one pound of the poison, and do it thoroughly, and that he can cover 15 acres of potato tops in ten hours. This year he has more orders for the machine than he can fill, and is now busily engaged in manufacturing them.
North Branch Review, 15 Jan 1892, p5, c3
Peter M. Hawkinson, the Harris inventor, was mingling with the throng on the streets Wednesday.
North Branch Review, 25 Mar 1892, p1, c3, "Harris Hustlings"
P. M. Hawkinson made a business trip to Minneapolis the fore part of last week. He says he can't supply the demand for the potato sprinkler. Orders are coming in from all over the states.
North Branch Review, 2 Sep 1892 , p5,2
Peter M. Hawkinson, the Harrisite who claims to have the champion potato bug exterminator in the northwest, spent a portion of Tuesday among friends here.
North Branch Review, 16 Dec 1892, p5, c3
Peter M. Hawkinson of Harris, inventor of the "Bug Killer," did shopping here Tuesday, and among other things purchased a new cutter.
North Branch Review, 7 Jul 1893, p1, "Harris Hustlings"
The streets were lined with leomonade, ice cream and peanut stands on the Fourth. The fakir was also on hand with his shell game and wheel of fortune--the 117th anniversary of the independence of the united colonies of America was gloriously celebrated. When the morning train, which was filled with North Branchers, arrived from the south, the parade took place. Following F. G. Palmer, marshal of the day and the North Branch Cornet band, was a float illustrating the potato industry of the city with the inscription, "Harris, the Potato Metropolis of the Word--1,668,752 1/2 bushels shipped last season." Also in the parade was P.M. Hawkinson with his "potato sprinkler". Baseball, dinner, races, fireworks and dancing completed the day's festivities.
North Branch Review, 19 Jan 1906
P. M. Hawkinson and C. Baker attended the insurance meeting at Spring Lake Saturday.
NB Review, 17 Jun 1909, p8, Chain Lake Items
A party was given by P. M. Hawkinson's last Friday evening. A large crowd was present and all enjoyed a good old fashioned time.
NB Review, 8 Apr 1909, p5, North Branch Briefs
P.M. Hawkinson, of Harris, was one of the out of town farmers who attended the Institute here Tuesday.
[The Institute was conducted by experts from the agricultural school and the Review estimated that between four and five hundred people attended.]
NB Review, 23 Sep 1909, p8, 1, Harris items
P. M. Hawkinson was a Saintly City visitor on Monday on business.
North Branch Review, 16Jul1914
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Swenson, Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Hawkinson and Mrs. and Mrs. Sam Sybrant, Fred Hawkinson and Anton Peterson autoed to Taylor Falls, Shafer, Center City and Lindstrom Sunday.
North Branch Review, 30Jul1914
Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Swanson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Steinke and P. M. Hawkinson took an auto ride Sunday taking in Braham, Grasston, Rush Lake, Greely and Pine City.
NBR, 20 Nov 1917, p3, c1, Harris news
P. M. Hawkinson and Dave Collins were callers at North Branch Saturday.
North Branch Review, 3 Aug 1917, p3, c3, Harris news
Henry Hawkinson is spending a week's vacation at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Hawkinson.
NBR, 10 Jul 1919, Harris items
P. M. Hawkinson was in the Cities Saturday, to meet his son Fred, who has just returned from overseas service.
NBR, 14 Aug 1919, Harris news
A number of our local farmers interested in potato marketing and grading were in North Branch last Saturday to attend a farmers; meeting, called together for the purpose of forming a Chisago County Potato Growers' Association and electing delegates to represent local growers at a convention in St. Paul, which is to decide grades for potatoes. Chisago county delegates were instructed to work for a one and three-fourths inch screen for round varities and and an inch a half screen for the more slender-waisted of the tubers. One delegate was elected for each shipping point. P. M. Hawkinson represented Harris at the St. Paul convention, which met Monday.
North Branch Review, 12May1921
Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Hawkinson and Mrs. Waldo Hammegren were Rush City callers Friday.
North Branch Review, 29Sep1921
P.M. Hawkinson was a Milaca caller Sunday.
North Branch Review, North Branch MN, 11Aug1927, p1.
PETER M. HAWKINSON ANSWERS DEATH CALL
Death again has reached out and taken one of Chisago county's pioneer citizens. A sudden heart attack caused the passing of Peter M. Hawkinson at his home near Harris on Tuesday afternoon, August 2. Mr. Hawkinson's death was
unexpected as he was busily engaged about his home when the attack came. On that morning he had taken down his windmill and was busy in his workshop making repairs when he was taken violently ill and in a short time passed on.
Peter M. Hawkinson was born in Sweden, November 1, 1858. At the age of nine years his parents came to America and made their home at Fish Lake where Peter spent his boyhood and grew to manhood. In the early '80's he procured a part of the land of his present estate and began farming for himself. On April 19, 1884 he was married to Christina Johnson and to this union five children were born.
Mr. Hawkinson had been a member of the Harris Lutheran church since its organization, being one of the charter members. He was also a charter member of the Tictin Camp Modern Woodmen of America.
As a friend, neighbor and citizen he was highly respected and loved by his fellowmen. He was never too busy to help friends in need and because of his mechanical ingenuity and willingness to help often led to the benefit of his
neighbors and friends while his own interests suffered. Mr. Hawkinson took an active part in school, village and county affairs and at many times had served on various boards governing town and school affairs.
At the time of death Mr. Hawkinson was 68 years, 9 months and 1 day old and he leaves to mourn his sudden departure his wife, Mrs. Christina Hawkinson, three sons, Henry, Fred and Edwin, all of Minneapolis, and two daughters, Mrs. Waldo Hammergren of Hinckley and Mrs. Aug. Ackerman of Minneapolis. There are also eight grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held last Friday afternoon at the home and from the First Lutheran church. Rev. Nordin officiated and spoke in both the English and Swedish languages. He left a great message of love and hope. Mr. and Mrs. W. D. O'Brien sang two very appropriate vocal duets. The church was filled to capacity with loving relatives and admiring friends who had gathered to pay their respects to a beloved citizen.
Events
| Birth | 1 Nov 1858 | Ånge, Borgsjö, Västernorrland, Sweden |  | ||
| Christen | 6 Nov 1858 | Ånge, Borgsjö, Västernorrland, Sweden | | ||
| Marriage | 19 Apr 1884 | Stark, Minnesota, Swedish Lutheran - Christine Johnson | | ||
| Death | 2 Aug 1927 | Harris, Chisago, Minnesota | | ||
| Burial | 5 Aug 1927 | Harris, Minnesota, Oak Grove Cemetery | | ||
| Alt name | Pehr Martin Andersson |
Families
| Spouse | Christine Johnson ( - 1945) |
| Child | Henry B. Hawkinson (1890 - 1945) |
| Child | Fred Martin Hawkinson (1891 - ) |
| Child | Edwin L. Hawkinson (1893 - ) |
| Child | Anne Theresa Hawkinson (1895 - 1948) |
| Child | Nell Christine (Petronella) Hawkinson (1898 - 1981) |
| Father | Andrew S. (Anders) Håkansson (1826 - ) |
| Mother | Anna Cajsa Andersdotter (1826 - 1915) |
| Sibling | Erick Andrew (Eric Andreas) Hawkinson (1856 - 1921) |
| Sibling | Anna Cathrina Hawkinson (1863 - 1926) |
| Sibling | Charles Oliver Hawkinson ( - 1918) |
Endnotes
1. Svenska kyrkan, Borgsjö socken,, Kyrkoböcker, Ånge, Borgsjö, Västernorrland, Sweden Genealogical Society of Utah, FHL #75876, Births.
2. Svenska kyrkan, Borgsjö socken,, Kyrkoböcker, Ånge, Borgsjö, Västernorrland, Sweden Genealogical Society of Utah, FHL #75876, Births.
3. Marriage Records: Minnesota, Chisago County.
4. Minnesota Dept. of Health, Death Certificate , 1927-MN-002439.
5. .