Richard Hawes 1797 – 1877

Biography

Richard Hawes was born on February 6, 1797, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, during the early years of the American republic. His life would span nearly eight decades of transformative change in the United States, allowing him to witness the nation’s growth and its deepest divisions. Through his long career in public service, Hawes became a notable figure in both state and national politics, leaving a mark on the institutions of his time.

Hawes served his country as a United States Representative, bringing his voice and influence to Congress during a pivotal era in American history. Beyond his federal service, he rose to prominence in his home state of Kentucky, where he served as the Second Confederate governor—a position that reflected the complexities and conflicts of the Civil War period. His tenure in this role placed him at the center of Kentucky’s struggle during the nation’s greatest trial.

After a life devoted to public duty, Hawes spent his final years abroad, eventually settling in Paris. He died there on May 25, 1877, at the remarkable age of eighty, having lived through some of the most consequential decades in American history. His long life and varied service remain part of Kentucky’s political heritage.