Born in Mississsipi and the son of a staff officer in the Barksdale’s Brigade, of the Army of Northern Virginia, Hawken was raised by his maternal grandparents in Hagerstown after both of his parents died before his second birthday. He served as the city’s tax collector. Hawken was actively involved in Hagerstown’s National Guard company and served as its first lieutenant. When the company was mobilized in 1898 for service in the Spanish American War, he was promoted to serve as a battalion adjutant in the 1st Maryland Volunteers. Lieutenant Hawken contracted tuberculosis while in the service, which led to his early death in 1901 at age 33. Donated by his comrades, his grave marker is a uniquely beautiful sculpture consisting of a tree trunk – representing a life cut short – adorned with the trappings of an officer in the War with Spain (hat, sword, etc.)