Lanier Township near Gratis in Preble County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Edward Johnson Hawes

1813 - 1901

— Hall of Honor —

Edward Johnson Hawes Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 23, 2026

1. Edward Johnson Hawes Marker

Inscription.
Edward Johnson Hawes has become known as the “Yankee Storekeeper of Fairhaven.” Although he had lost several of his homes and businesses to fires, in 1862, Hawes purchased the Bunker Hill Tavern and converted the former tavern room into a general store. To give back to his welcoming community, he began lending money to those in need. Hawes is remembered as an honest and hardworking man who became a friend to all.

As recorders of Preble County history, PCHS and The Register-Herald are natural partners in co-sponsoring the Hall of Honor.

Inducted into the Hall of Honor September 14, 2025.

Erected 2025 by PCHS; The Register-Herald.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is September 14, 2025.

Location. 39° 39.498′ N, 84° 32.851′ W. Marker is near Gratis, Ohio, in Preble County. It is in Lanier Township. It is at the intersection of Swartsel Road and Ohio Route 122, on the right when traveling south on Swartsel Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7693 Swartsel Rd, Eaton OH 45320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jesse Stubbs (here, next to this marker); Kenneth J. Garber (here, next to this marker); Solomon Talbert (here, next to this marker); Paul E. (1914-2007) & Ruth Phelps Fitzwater (1916-2004) (here, next to this marker); Susan Haines Kendall (here, next to this marker); William R. Goodheart, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Diana L. Akers (here, next to this marker); James Edward Quinn (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gratis.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 23, 2026

2. Edward Johnson Hawes Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 31, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.