The biography of John Washington Hawes was probably written by his son, Henry Clay Hawes, who was a great writer. It contains many facts that would be interesting to people with early pioneer connections in Logan County, Illinois. In addition, it is also a heartwarming account of a man clearly esteemed by his son. It is a terrific read! and I feel I am totally unbiased in this as I am not related to the Hawes in any way. My 4th great grandmother, Esther Allen Musick Ewing, married 2nd John Washington Hawes. I am descended from her first marriage. I am very fortunate that I was able to obtain photocopies of several biographies written by and about the Hawes. They were early Logan County settlers and married early Logan County settlers and I think whether they contain "a bit of genealogy" or not, "a little puff" or not, they are a good find for your web site. When I go to a county genealogy web site I hope the biographies contained therein will include genealogies. Would I like genealogy included in a biography about Abraham Lincoln? You bet! Particularly if I had ancestors in the area. Why do we search far and wide for obituaries except that they give us this important lineage data in addition to dates and places. Your explanation, I must say, put me off quite a bit. It was insensitive to someone who believed they were providing your web site with valuable historical and genealogical data for others to share in. And who are we to say what is "puffed up?" My regret is that there isn't a more appropriate place to send these biographies to. Sincerely, Sue A. Ridenhour.