Major Joseph Hawley, d. 1788

MAJOR JOSEPH HAWLEY Lawyer and Pre-Revolutionary Activist b. 1723, Northampton m. 1752 to Mercy Lyman (1729-1806), Northampton d. 1788, Northampton Major Joseph Hawley came to prominence as a leader of the resistance to the Stamp Act. A lawyer and leader of the Hampshire County Bar, Hawley, it was said, was "the only political leader of revolutionary Massachusetts whose religious views were broad and tolerant." He has been called "the most distinguished character that western Massachusetts has produced aside from Caleb Strong." With exceptional direction of public opinion, invariably championing everything that could advance civil and religious liberties. Hawley is most remembered for his pre-Revolutionary activities, his antagonism to the royal Governor Hutchinson, and for his famous quarrel with Jonathan Edwards. He was the grandson of Northampton's celebrated Esther Mather, wife of the first two ministers and through them and direct descendants connected with the old church over 150 years, a nephew of Eunice Williams killed in the Deerfield massacre, and a cousin of Jonathan Edwards. No known portrait him exists. A reference to his appearance during despondency says "His eye had a wild and piercing look." Has been placed among the highest rank of leaders of the Revolutionary period. Hawley was one of the first to declare his belief that the colonies must fight for their liberties.

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