The Hawley family in America is traced back to Joseph Hawley (1603-1690), who settled in Bridgeport, Conn. in 1640. His descendants remained in New England for several generations until Elijah Hawley, Jr. settled in Ridgeway, N.Y. Merwin S. Hawley, Elijah's son, became a successful dry goods merchant first in Rochester and then on the wharves of Buffalo. In 1848 he built a house at 46 Niagara Square. In 1854 he was one of the founders of The International Bank, becoming its president in 1857; the bank was closed in 1864. Merwin Hawley became a member of the Buffalo Historical Society and wrote and spoke extensively on the history of the Erie Canal, having derived his knowledge of it through his interest in his uncle, Jesse Hawley (1773-1842), who was greatly involved in the canal's construction.
From the description of Papers, 1792-1963 (bulk 1803-1901). (Buffalo History Museum). WorldCat record id: 34436799
