By 1805, many Mennonites from Pennsylvania had settled nearby in Berlin but Wellesley Township itself was not surveyed until 1842-43, due to being part of the Queen's Bush[3] a region with a large Black settler population.

Then, John Hawke received government permission to buy the clearing for $700.00 on the condition that he build a grist mill (for flour) and a sawmill within two years.

[6] The area now the village of Wellesley on the Nith River was first settled in 1847, by John Smith and was originally called Schmidtsville.

By 1864, the village also had two stores, a flour mill, three wagon makers, boot and shoe shops, a hotel two churches and a school with 78 students.

When the decision was being made for the location of a county seat, Hawkesville originally anticipated being chosen over Berlin and Galt.

Into the early 1900s, the village carriage and wagon maker, George Diefenbacker (his preferred spelling) would entertain his grandson, John Diefenbaker, each summer.

[3] The country scenery and rolling hills, along with its small-town feel, have gradually transformed the township into a growing commuter town with a population mostly living in suburban developments, and travelling into the nearby cities of Kitchener and Waterloo for work.

Instead of progress, Hawkesville has maintained the charm of the surrounding sugar maple woods and the quiet river banks.

Summer mornings are sure to find a few young fishermen reclined on the bank, reeling in northern pike, yellow perch, and rainbow trout.

To the south, the tall hills beyond the river plain shelters a large gravel pit and in the skies over the hills, the river, the village and the woods, are sure to be found the red-tailed hawk and the common sightings of cardinals, blue jays, robins, chickadees, nuthatch, and numerous song sparrow.

[18] Most of the earlier companies have left the town of Wellesley, but many historic buildings still remain that enrich the heritage of the downtown area.

Hawkesville is home to several small and medium size businesses including the larger Frey Building Contractors and the Country Lane Builders.

The festivities include many street market venues, coach rides, remote-controlled boat races, open heritage sites and amusements, horseshoe-pitching contests, guided farm tours, live music, meals that can be purchased on the main street, and a classic car show, all of which now attract thousands of visitors each year.

On June 24, 2006, the town held its first annual Art Around the Pond gala where artisans of all kind were able to exhibit and advertise their creations and expertise.

There is a parade at around noon on the Wednesday that the local public school participates in and there are also rides and activities located on the community centre grounds.

Wellesley has also held the Wellesley Santa Claus Parade early in December since 2005 which includes floats created by many local businesses, churches and other organizations from around the area mainly driving down Queen's Bush Road, Nafziger Road, Maple Leaf Street, and Molesworth Street.

[21] The Region of Waterloo Library operates branches in St. Clements, Linwood and Wellesley Village,[22] which host author readings, family storytimes, and a variety of other programs.