Hawkins, Andrew J.

Obituary -- age 97, a Civil War veteran believed to be Ottawa county Oklahoma's last surviving soldier of the war between the states, died at 2:25 o'clock Wednesday night at his home in Commerce Oklahoma. He would have observed his 98th birthday in six months. The aged Confederate veteran, a well-known figure in Commerce and other parts of the Tri-State district, remained active practically to the time of his death as a real estate holder and furniture merchant. Born in Mississippi Apr 5, 1849, Hawkins enlisted in the Confederate army at the age of 15 years. In later life he wrote "The Blue and the Gray," an account of his personal experiences, Civil War data, and a number of original poems. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Assembly of God church in Commerce. The Rev. Frank N. Alexander and the Rev. James Miller will officiate. He was a candidate for sheriff of Ottawa county Oklahoma when he was nearly 80 years old and had voted unassisted in the recent general election nine days ago, according to Commerce friends. Much of Hawkins' life was spent in Louisiana before he moved to Ottawa county about 25 years ago. Less than a decade ago, Hawkins and the late W. R. Schmucker of Miami; a Union veteran of the Civil War and friend of the old Commerce warrior, returned together to Gettysburg Pennsylvania, for a national encampment of Civil War veterans on the site of one of the bloodiest battle of the war. Unlike some of his old-time compatriots, Hawkins successfully adjusted his political views after the Civil War and became equally at home in gatherings of Confederate or Union soldiers. Survivors include one son, Thomas P. Hawkins, Wilcox Arizona; and three daughters, Mrs. H. S. Chamberlain, Phoenix Arizona, Mrs. Rose Hendricks, Ballinger Texas, and Mrs. Daisy Thayer, Tucson Arizona. Burial rites will be conducted at G.A.R. cemetery at Miami. Mitchelson funeral home of Commerce is in charge of arrangements.