Richland County IL Archives Biographies.....Hamilton, Reuben 1830 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 28, 2011, 2:38 pm

Source: See below
Author: Lake City Publishing Co.

REUBEN HAMILTON, who for many years has been engaged in farming on section 17,
Denver Township, is one of the worthy citizens that Indiana has furnished
Richland County. He was born in Gibson County, of the Hoosier State, February
15, 1830. His father, Asa Hamilton, was a native of Virginia, and during his
boyhood emigrated to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood on a farm. His father
was a wealthy tobacco-raiser and slave-holder. A-brother of Asa served as Clerk
of the Court in Boone County for forty years. In that county Mr. Hamilton was
married, and after a few years his wife died, leaving three children. He later
removed to Gibson County, Ind., where he wedded Miss Margaret Mills, a native of
Gibson County. In 1831 they came to Illinois, locating on the Fox River in
Richland County. Their last days were spent on the Wabash River in Clay County.
Mr. Hamilton was a great hunter and sportsman, and for this reason enjoyed his
home on the frontier. His second wife died in this county and he was afterwards
again married. His death occurred at the age of seventy-two. He was a Whig in
politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity and a genuine pioneer. Nancy, the
sister of our subject, died in Clay County; and Empson, his brother, died in
infancy. There was also a child by the third marriage, Jesse, who lives in Indiana.

  Reuben Hamilton's earliest remembrance is of the log cabin on Fox River.
Almost his entire life has been spent in this locality. At the age of eighteen
he began working as a farm hand in this neighborhood and since that time has
made his own way in the world. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he
chose Mrs. Orpha Jane (Evans) McDade, who was born and reared in this county.
Their union was celebrated in 1848, and about two years after their marriage
they located upon the farm which has since been their home. The land was covered
with brush and timber, and so wild was the region that deer were frequently seen
near the house. Mr. Hamilton built a log cabin and began the improvement of his
place. He entered some land from the Government, for which he paid in coon
skins. He now owns eighty acres of arable land and a good home, and is
successfully engaged in general farming.

  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were born three children. Allen and Isaac were
twins. The former married Eliza Bacon and died leaving three children. The
latter wedded Eliza Rexroat and is a prosperous farmer of Denver Township.    
Melinda died at the age of five years.

  For many years Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been members of the Christian
Church, and are prominent in their support of all worthy interests. Our subject
cast his first Presidential vote for James Buchanan and supported the Democratic
party until 1892, when he deposited a ballot for Gen. Weaver. The gentleman of
whom we write is one of Richland County's honored pioneers. Almost his entire
life has been passed here, covering a period of more than sixty years. He has
witnessed the entire growth and development of the county, has seen its wild
lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, its towns and villages spring
into existence, and in the work of progress and development he has borne his
part. His history is identified with that of the county, and in its advancement
he feels a just pride.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties
Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co.
1893


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