From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)

Hawkins was born a slave in Anderson County about 1827. He remained a slave into adulthood: President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.

Hawkins therefore chose to become a soldier and made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist; on  September 17, 1864 he became a private in Company G of the 12th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Regiment. At the time of his enlistment, Jefferson testified that he was born about 1827 in Anderson County, KY.

The 12th regiment saw no reported action during the war, serving garrison duty at various points in Central Kentucky until April 24, 1866 when it discharged and mustered from Federal service.