John Hawks was born in England in 1731 and accompanied Governor William Tryon on his journey to North Carolina. A resident of New Bern, Hawks was the lead architect for Tryon Palace and oversaw its construction. During the War of Regulation Hawks helped build fortifications around New Bern and also worked as a paymaster and finance commissioner. Aside from continuing his work on various architectural projects, Hawks also served as a member of the North Carolina Council of State from 1784 to 1786 and also served as an auditor. He died in New Bern on 31 October 1790.