Biographical Sketches
MAJOR GEORGE S. HAMPTON
Is one of the ablest members of the bar of Missouri. Native talent and acquired ability have won him eminence, and the profession and the public both accord him a leading place in the ranks of the legal fraternity. Thoroughly conversant the law in all departments and familiar with its subtleties, he is a student and worker, possessing that dauntless energy without which one must fail of success in any line of endeavor.
Major Hampton was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, December 2, 1838. The family if of English lineage and was founded in America in colonial days. The paternal grandfather, Wade Hampton, was a native of Kentucky and reared a large family, including George S. Hampton, Sr., father of our subject. He, too, was a native of Kentucky, and was a lawyer by profession. He first married Miss Sallie Long, of his native state, but the wife died in early life and their 3 children also passed away in childhood. Mr. Hampton afterward married Mrs. Ann (Fairfax) Hepburn, a native of Virginia, who by her first marriage had 5 sons and a daughter. Colonel W. P. Hepburn is the youngest and the only surviving son. The daughter, Frances M., is living, now at the age of 72 years. By the marriage of the parents of our subject, 6 children were born, 4 sons and 2 daughters, but the only ones now living are Catherine C., wife of William Bremner, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and the Major. Mrs. Hampton was a daughter of Dr. Hanson Catlett, a successful physician who served as surgeon in the war of 1812. He was a native of Virginia, was of English lineage and died at an advanced age. His wife was a sister of Matthew Lyon, a man of considerable note who served as a member of congress from three different states. He was elected the last time while in jail, having been imprisoned for resisting the alien and sedition laws.
In 1840 Major Hampton's parents removed with their family to Iowa, where they spent their remaining days. That was during the territorial era, and his father, George S. Hampton, Sr., took a very prominent part in the organization of the state, serving as secretary of the first constitutional convention of Iowa, and was clerk of the supreme court of the state for 10 years. In the latter part of his life he was for a number of years superintendent of public instruction in Iowa. During the war, loyal to the union, he enlisted in what was known as the Gray-beard regiment and served for 2 years, although he had formerly been a pro-slavery democrat. His abilities and fitness for leadership made him a prominent and influential citizen of the state. Both he and his wife were pioneers in the work of the Baptist church in Iowa. His death occurred in 1874, at the age of 73.
Major Hampton was reared in Iowa City, acquired his education there, was one of the first students to enter the State university, and held a certificate for graduation. He spent a portion of his boyhood in his father's office and at one time acted as page in the state legislature. When his literary education was completed he studied law in Iowa City and was admitted to the bar in 1860; but after the breaking out of the civil war he could not content himself to follow a quiet business career when the existence of his country was in peril, and enlisted at the first call for 3 year men. He became a member of company H, 13th Iowa infantry, as a private, but soon rose to the rank of lieutenant, and with his regiment took part in the battle of Shiloh. After that engagement he was made a staff officer, with the rank of captain, and for 2 years was on the staff of Brigadier General Thomas J. McKean, of Iowa. He was with him at the battle of Corinth, and took part in the invasion of Mississippi. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, and after its surrender went with the troops to Nebraska to aid in quelling the Indiana in their depredations. In the Fall of 1864 he served as assistant adjutant general on the staff of Major General James G. Blunt, and took part in the Price raid. He was in the battle of Lexington, Big Blue, the defense of the fords of the Little Blue, the defense of the fords of the Little Blue, the battle of Westport and was present at Mine creek when Generals Marmaduke and Cable were captured. With the troops he then pursued the enemy until they crossed the Arkansas river. At the close of the war he was mustered out, being at that time captain and assistant adjutant general. During the service he was a member of the famous �Crocker Iowa brigade.�
When the South had laid down its arms and his services were no longer needed, Major Hampton returned to the practice of law and established an office in Lawrence, Kansas, where he practiced for 13 years. In the Spring of 1877 he came to Kansas City, but in the following autumn removed to Cherokee county, Kansas, where he continued a member of the bar until 1884. He was also deputy county attorney for 1 term. For 11 years past he has been a member of the Bar of Kansas City, and has a large clientage, to which his abilities and fidelity to duty well entitle him.
On the 27th of October, 1863, Major Hampton married Maria Louisa Asay, daughter of A. B. and Mary (Lewis) Asay. They have 3 children: Frank H., the eldest, now has charge of the drapery department of the North Furniture Company, of Kansas City, with which he has been connected for 10 years. He married Lina Eaton, and they have 1 child, Louisa True. His 2nd son, Alexander A., is foreman of the steel department of the Scotford Stamp and Stationery Company, of Kansas City, in whose employ he has been for 9 years. His only daughter, Mary Ann, is a young lady of considerable musical talent and is at her parental home.
The parents and children are members of the Methodist church. Major Hampton is a Master Mason, a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias societies, and of George H. Thomas post, G. A. R. In politics he is a republican, and during Harrison's administration was deputy internal revenue collector under General Devol. He is now attorney for several insurance companies and the Cooper Chemical Company. His home is at 2903 Locust street, over which his wife presides with gracious hospitality, while to their many friends they ever extend a hearty welcome.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.