HAMILTON, JOHN W. - One of the most respected residents of Virginia, Cass County, Ill., passed away, and one of the most valuable citizens was lost to the community, when John W. Hamilton died on November 19, 1906. He was long an industrious and thrifty farmer, and did much to promote the agricultural growth and prosperity, and to enhance the civic and moral welfare of the portion of the county with which his useful life was identified. Many are the friends who remember Mr. Hamilton with pleasant recollections of his kindness as a neighbor, and his trustworthiness in the relationships of everyday intercourse.

John W. Hamilton was born in the state of Indiana, July 30, 1845, and was a son of James and Melinda Hamilton, natives of Virginia. By trade, the father was a cooper, but he also followed farming, and spent a busy career in Indiana and Illinois. In his youth John W. Hamilton attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and on reaching maturity, applied himself to farming. Thus he continued for several years, prospering in all his undertakings, and through patient toil and judicious management, gained a competency. He was a soldier in the Civil war having enlisted for 100 days in 1864, in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and being honorably discharged December 15, 1864. He was identified with the G.A.R., belonging to the post in Virginia.

On March 26, 1884, Mr. Hamilton was married to Elizabeth Williamson, born in Jacksonville, Ill., a daughter of Thomas and Nancy Needam Williamson, natives of England. After his marriage, Mr. Hamilton moved to Vernon County, Mo., where he owned a farm. This he disposed of after operating it for eighteen months, and returned to Cass County. Here he carried on farming until 1904, when he abandoned agricultural pursuits, and retiring from active life, established his home in Virginia. His estimable widow still occupies an attractive residence in the city where his last days were spent, and where she has numerous devoted friends. She is a valued member of the Methodist episcopal church, in which her lamented husband officiated as trustee and as steward. In political matters, Mr. Hamilton, although not seeking public preferment, always acted with the Republican party.