Stuart Samuel Hawley (1883–1941): Original Port of Oakland Board Member

Stuart & Harriet Hawley

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Stuart Samuel Hawley was a prominent Bay Area capitalist, civic leader, and early architect of East Bay infrastructure and commerce. Born in 1883, he was a lifelong resident of the Oakland-Piedmont area and became widely known for his leadership in finance, real estate, and public service.

Hawley served as president of the Hawley Investment Company, Pacific Metals Company, and the Alameda Investment Company, and as vice president and manager of the R.W. Meese Estate Company. He also held a director position at the American Trust Company, establishing himself as a key figure in East Bay business and finance.

A committed civic leader, Hawley was appointed in 1925 as a founding board member of the Port of Oakland, following a citywide charter amendment that created the semi-autonomous agency. His service from 1925 to 1927 helped lay the foundation for the Port’s modern governance and the administration of publicly owned tidelands. 

Beyond the Port, he was also active in campaigns to improve regional transportation systems and civic facilities. Known for his behind-the-scenes influence, Hawley worked to build consensus and implement lasting improvements across the East Bay.

He was deeply involved in the social and club life of the area, serving as past president of the Athens Athletic Club and maintaining memberships in the Claremont Country Club, Cragmont Club, Mt. Diablo Country Club, the Bohemian Club, Athenian-Nile Club, and several Masonic orders.

Stuart Hawley married Harriet Meek on June 17, 1908. They had two children: Stuart Meek Hawley, a Dean Witter & Co. executive and champion golfer, and Mrs. Loy Hager.