Biographical Sketches
WILLIAM HAMILTON
In the early history of Jackson county the name of this gentleman finds conspicuous mention. The Hamilton home was long a familiar landmark in this section of the state. A typical country tavern, its hospitality and good cheer were ever extended to its guests, whether friends or strangers, by the genial, kindly, loving couple, known throughout all the surrounding country as “Uncle” William and “Aunt” Eliza Hamilton, whose memory is still cherished in the hearts of those who knew them, although the snows of many winters have fallen upon their graves, and the birds with their joyous carols have announced the approach of returning spring for almost 20 years. The familiar faces of loved ones may be seen no more, but their memory remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom their lives were closely interwoven. Through almost a century William Hamilton watched the passing of time and the change that the years brought; and through the long period his own honorable, upright life, marked by fidelity to every manly principle, won him the love and confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact.
The first decade after the signing of the Declaration of Independence was not yet completed when he opened his eyes on the light of this world. He was born in Virginia on the 21st of April 1786, and was the eldest son in a family of 8 children, whose parents were William and Ruth (Wilson) Hamilton. As far back as the ancestry can be traced it is seen that the eldest son of each generation has borne the name of William. The paternal grandfather of our subject, William Hamilton, was born in Dublin, Ireland and married a Scotch lady whose family name was Alse. Shortly afterward he emigrated with his bride to the new world, becoming the founder of the family on American soil. For a short time they resided in Pennsylvania, and then removed to Virginia, where they reared a family of 4 children, the eldest of whom was William, the father of our subject, and also a native of Old Dominion. When 40 years of age he was joined in wedlock with Miss Ruth Wilson, then 22 years of age. During the struggle for independence he joined the colonial army and valiantly aided in that warfare which resulted in the establishment of this republic. His wife was a granddaughter of Colonel Francis Moore, a warm personal friend of George Washington.
It is with a high degree of gratification that the biographer enters upon the task of perpetuating by written record the life of one so worthily connected and whose own career was so well worthy of emulation as that of William Hamilton, of Jackson county, Missouri. His childhood and youth were marked by no events of special importance. He was married on the 10th of February, 1819, to Eliza Lillard, the wedding ceremony begin performed in Kentucky, after which the young couple took up their residence in Boyle county, that state, where they remained until 1849.
In that year Jackson county gained 2 of its best citizens. Mr. Hamilton brought his family to Missouri, and from that time until his death was prominently connected with the best interests of the community. He located in Sibley, now Fort Osage township, and purchasing a house opened the country tavern before mentioned, which he conducted until just before the breaking out of the civil war. Selling his property he then removed to a farm in Fort Osage township, which continued to be his place of residence until he was called to the eternal home. His residence was ever noted for its hospitality, and both he and his wife extended to all who came beneath their roof that good cheer and kindliness to characteristic of the pioneer homes. He was a man of strict honor and unquestioned integrity, straightforward in business, social in home life and reliable at all times. Although he was a slaveholder at the time the civil war was inaugurated, he did not believe in the dissolution of the union, but hoped that the stars and stripes might float over an unbroken country. Reared in the South, his sympathies were with his own section of the country, but he was true nevertheless in his allegiance to the national government. He never turned from his door either a confederate or union man who sought food, and the respect in which he was held by both armies is shown by the fact that his home ws the only one that stood for miles around, undestroyed by fire. His wife shared with him all his hopes and desires, and the love of the entire community was given to “Aunt” Eliza Hamilton, whose great warm heart had a sympathy for all mankind, and as especial tenderness for those in need or distress.
For 58 years this worthy couple traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. They celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage in 1869, at which time were present all their living children and grandchildren. It was a happy occasion, not only for the old people, but also for their many friends who gathered with words of congratulation and best wishes to commemorate the day when young in years they started out together to meet whatever the future had in store for them. 8 sons and 2 daughters came to bless their home, of which number of children 8 reached years of maturity, namely: Joseph W., John T., William A., James A., Artimesia, Mary E., Andrew and Charles G. James and Abraham died in infancy.
Mrs. Hamilton, who was born June 9, 1804, passed away on the 18th of July, 1877, at the age of 73 years. On the 15th of September of the same year, Mr. Hamilton closed his eyes in death, being then 91 years of age; and the two, who were so long loving companions on this earth, were united once more in the home beyond, where all separations are over. They were members of the pioneer Baptist church at Buckner, their names appearing on the church charter, and in the work of the congregation they were most active and faithful.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.