Hawley, Merwin S., 1807-1887

Merwin S. Hawley was born in Broome, N.Y. in 1807. He became a dry goods merchant first in Rochester and then in Buffalo, where his business prospered. In 1848 he built a house at 46 Niagara Sq. In 1854 he co-founded the International Bank, becoming its president in 1857; the bank was closed in 1864. He became an active member of the Buffalo Historical Society and wrote and spoke widely on the history of the Erie Canal, having derived his knowledge of it through his interest in the role his uncle, Jesse Hawley (1773-1842), played in its construction.

Born in Broome, Schoharie County, N.Y. in 1807. He became a dry goods merchant first in Rochester and then in Buffalo, where his business prospered. In 1848 he built a house at 46 Niagara Square, Buffalo. In 1854 he co-founded the International Bank, becoming its president in 1857; the bank was closed in 1864. Active member of the Buffalo Historical Society; wrote and spoke widely on the history of the Erie Canal, his interest stemming from the role his uncle, Jesse Hawley, played in its construction.