BIOGRAPHY

JAMES A. HAMILTON - OF PAVILION, NY

James A. Hamilton, born April 12, 1849, in Pavilion, is a son of William and Margaret (McClause) Hamilton. William Hamilton was born April 12, 1811, in Glasgow, Scotland, came to the United States in 1833, and located first in Fairfield County, Conn., where he remained two years, when he came to Oneida County, N. Y. He also lived two years in New York City. In 1839 he returned to Scotland, where he was married June 2, 1843, and in 1844 came again to the United States and settled in Pavilion, where he engaged in farming. He died in January, 1890. His wife was born in Stirling County, Scotland. They had six children: Mrs. Margaret McSlay (deceased), James A., Elizabeth (deceased), William M., Christina (deceased), and John. William was a son of James and Margaret (Shanks) Hamilton, of Scotland. James A. Hamilton received his education in the common schools and Franklinville Academy. At the age of 18 he went to Rock County, Wis., where he worked by the month four and one-half years, when he leased a farm. In 1884 he returned to Pavilion and purchased 100 acres two miles east of the village. In 1888 he moved to Le Roy, and November 1, 1889, took charge of the Pavilion Hotel. He married Jennie Traynor, who was born in Scotland, and who was a daughter of John and Barbara (McKethan) Traynor, who were born in North Ireland, near Belfast. They moved to Renfrew, Scotland, and had two children, Peter and Jennie. After his death the widow, about 1868, came to the United States and. settled in Rock County, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have three children, William J., Mary E., and Maggie May. They are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Source: Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890