Capt. Charles Hamilton (1839-1941)

HAMILTON, FOOTE, DAVIS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/18/2024 at 15:43:26

From The Milepost {Ames, Iowa} April 10, 1941 (page 1)

Capt. Charles Hamilton Dies; Nearly 102

Long-time Ames Resident Buried With Military Honors

Capt. Charles Hamilton, oldest Civil War veteran in Iowa, died at his home here early Tuesday morning, following an illness that kept him bedfast for several months. He was mentally alert to the end and only last week when a friend came to call, asked many questions regarding former ways and events.

He would have been 102 years of age on June 12 of this year, and looked forward to celebrating that event. But the great frame of the Captain, always erect, and stalwart, succumbed to Father Time and he answered "taps" with that fearlessness that was shown throughout his military career and in later life. Genial, always happy to meet his friends, he was an unusual character, and Ames and Story county were pleased to honor and the state to look to with pride.

100th Birthday

On June 12, 1939, Ames joined in a celebration of his 100th birthday, at his home at 703 Duff. Hundreds called to show him honor, from the city, and over the state. Judge Willitt, former national G.A.R. commander, and Judge Noll, state commander spoke. Mayor Paine, on behalf of the citizens, presented Captain and Mrs. Hamilton 100 crisp new one-dollar bills.

On September 12, 1914, he was made a fifty-year Mason, having received his degree on Sept. 12, 1864. He attended many meetings and enjoyed the fellowship of the lodge. He was active in Sons of the Revolution meetings and on many occasions was special guest at meetings of the W.R.C. and Daughters of Union Veterans.

An Active Life

For several years he conducted a grocery store at 127 Main St. Previous to that time he was a salesman for a grocery at Marshalltown. He resided in Nevada while serving as clerk of the district court, and later for a number of years he was a rural mail carrier out of Ames. His last active service was as sergeant of arms during the legislative session at the State House in Des Moines.

He is the father of six children, three of whom are now living and reside at Des Moines: Mrs. Benton Davis, Charles Hamilton and Miss Ethel Hamilton who is a kindergarten teacher in the Des Moines schools.

Captain Hamilton was born on a farm in upper New York state and taught school a short time previous to answering the call for volunteers at the outbreak of the Civil War. He organized a company and later was commissioned captain of it--company 8I, 152nd New York Volunteers.

Surviving him are his wife and his children: a son Charles Hamilton of Des Moines, and three daughters, Mrs. George Foote of Elgin, Ill., Mrs. Benton Davis and Miss Ethel Hamilton, both of Des Moines.

His War Record

Charles Hamilton served as captain of Co. I in the 152nd New York state volunteers. He was commissioned as first lieutenant when they left the state in October 1862 and were sent to Washington, D. C. They camped at Choir Bridge on the Potomac until March 1863 when they were ordered in camp and remained until April. Their next took them to Suffolk, Va.

His diary gives the following details:
"At Suffolk, Va., we drove the Confederates out and destroyed several miles of railroad leading to Black Water. Then we crossed the bay to City Point, Va., and made a demonstration toward Richmond.

"From there we returned to Washington with orders to join Meads army at Frederick City, Md. Owing to a washout we were not able to be sent then.

"At that time the N. Y. Draft Riot started and one brigade was sent to New York where we remained until after the draft was completed. Then we returned to Washington, D. C. and from there were sent to Centerville, Va., and placed in the Second Corps army on the Potomac. That fall we crossed the Rapidan and had several skirmishes with Confederates.

"In December we went on the Mine Run Expedition expecting to attack the enemy lines. General Mead, then in command, decided not to make the attack and we returned to Brandy Station and went into winter quarters.

"It was at that time I received my commission as Captain of Company I.

"On May 4th we made the charge on Spotsylvania and again on the 16th. From there we fought at North Ann River and Cold Harbor and then went to Petersburg.

"We made several charges on the Confederate lines; one on the Jerusalem Plank Road and on on the Weldon railroad. Camped for the winter near Petersburg.

"In the spring of 1865 we did little fighting before the surrender."