Hamilton, Norman 1831-1884

HAMILTON, BALLOU, DOUGLASS

Posted By: A. Haught (email)
Date: 3/26/2015 at 15:17:25

On Tuesday our citizens were astonished to learn that Norman Hamilton, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Farmersburg township, had suicide by handing himself, while laboring under a temporary fit of insanity.

The facts as near as we can learn are that he has been out of his mind more or less for several months past and some time since was found with a rope around his neck and since that time had been closely watched for fear he should commit suicide, and all ropes and other instruments were supposed to be out of his way.

On Tuesday, about ten o’clock he went out to the barn to take a nap on the hay, as has been his custom of late, he stating that he could sleep better there, than in the house. At 12 o’clock his wife went out to the barn to call him to dinner and was horrified to find him hanging lifeless from a rope attached to the rafters in the barn. She summoned aid and the body was cut down after which Coroner Cain was called to hold an inquest. He summoned a jury, consisting of John Kreuter, John F. Wright and Eugene E. Flanagan, who found a verdict in accordance with the above facts.

Mr. Hamilton was a native of New York state, having been born there January 9th, 1831, being a little over 53 years of age at the time of his death. He was educated in that state, receiving an academic course at Cherry Valley. Having a great love for mathematics, he made a special study of surveying, and become very proficient in it, have several times acted as deputy surveyor of Clayton county. He came to Clayton county in 1854 and purchased a farm of 200 acres, and afterwards purchased his present farm in Farmersburg township, consisting of 120 acres.

In 1855 he was married to Sarah Ballou, and to them have been born nine children, seven of whom, with his wife survive him. Mrs. R. N. Douglass of Postville was a daughter of Mr. H., and John Hamilton of Elkader is a half-brother to him.

Mr. H., was a very successful farmer, and has done much to advance the interest of agriculture in Clayton county. His specialty was fine stock and he had a large herd of splendid cattle on his farm. He was one of the original incorporators of the Clayton county agricultural society, and was its first secretary, being elected to that position in 1861. Since that time he has held various positions in the society, and at the time of his death was again serving in the capacity of secretary.

In his death his family have lost a kind father and husband and the county a good citizen. His death will be mourned by all who knew him.

Elkader Semi-weekly Register: June 13, 1884