After the birth of three children, all sons, the parents of our subject emigrated to Illinois and located on a tract of wild land in township 14, range 11, in this county. Later, however, they changed their residence to Lynnville, where the elder Hamel spent the remainder of his life, passing away Feb. 10, 1879, at the age of seventy-two years, having been born Nov. 21, 1807. His wife, Rosanna, is still living and makes her home with her brother, Martin Ely, in Fulton County, this State. She was born Nov. 3, 1812, and is consequently approaching the seventy-seventh year of her age. Both she and her husband in religious matters, adhere to the doctrines of the Methodist Church, and the latter during the later years of his life was identified with the Republican party. He had been quite prominent in local politics and served as Justice of the Peace for many years.

The subject of this sketch was the youngest child of his parents who came to this county when he was quite young. He grew up surrounded by good and healthy influences, which had their effect both upon mind and body, and formed within him a character which made him a man respected among his fellows. By his industry and perseverance he became the owner of a good farm of 120 acres, and also acquired 160 acres in Kansas which have never been improved. His death was the result of cancer from which he suffered greatly for some time and which sufferings he bore with Christian patience and fortitude. His death was not only deeply mourned by his family, but by all who knew him, for he was a man who, without making any great stir in the world, exercised that silent influence which will live after a man has passed away, thus fulfilling the Scripture saying that "his works do follow him."

The marriage of William H. Hamel and Miss Elizabeth J. Horton took place at the home of the bride near Astoria, in Fulton County, this State, Dec. 24, 1857. Mrs. Hamel was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 13, 1840, and was the daughter of William and Sarah (Dennis) Horton, who were also natives of that county. There also they were reared and married and lived until after the birth of part of their family, then in 1851 came to Fulton County, this State. Mr. Horton died at his home near Astoria in 1881, at the age of sixty-five years. He was a good man in the broadest sense of the term, kindly and hospitable as a neighbor and in his private life without reproach. The mother is still living and is now seventy-five years old, and quite feeble.

Mrs. Hamel was the oldest daughter of her parents and grew up an intelligent and amiable young woman, and these qualities have continued with her all through life. Her mother has for many years been a member of the Baptist Church, but Mrs. Hamel is a Methodist in religion. Of her union with our subject there was born one child, a son, Evert Lee, March 21, 1868. He remains with his mother and assists in the management of the farm. They have a pleasant and comfortable home and are held in high respect by a large circle of friends.