John Judson Hamilton was born at Harrisville, Butler County, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1866 the family removed to Davis County. In 1871 he entered the State University of Iowa at Iowa City. In September, 1873, he was appointed First Assistant Librarian of the University, which position he filled for five years. His first experience in journalism was acquired as associate editor and business manager of the University Reporter. In 1876 he represented the University as orator in the annual contest of State Inter-Collegiate Association at Cedar Rapids, being awarded the second honors. In 1877 he graduated, taking the degree of A. B. The next few months he devoted to sociological researches in the South, traveling nearly 1,000 miles afoot through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky, giving special attention to the condition of the freed men. Returning North in the fall, he continued to act as librarian of the University, and prosecuted the study of law, besides teaching in the Iowa City High School. In 1867 he went South again and made an extended study of the condition of the colored people of Southern Virginia, remaining in Dinwiddie County for the purpose, until December. Returning to Iowa, he took editorial charge of the Davis County Republican and continued to fill that position for several years. In June, 1880, he took the degree of A. M., at the State University. In the fall of 1881 he was the Republican candidate for the Lower House of the State Legislature, from Davis County. He subsequently removed to California. He was for some time a member of the Board of Education of Pasadena, secretary of the Board of Freeholders of Los Angeles, and now in his

advanced years, occupies the responsible position of a member of the Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County. He has given special attention to and is regarded as an expert in municipal legislation and government. He is the author of the first published work on commission form of government, entitled "The Dethronement of the City Boss." By his high character and attainments he has won the confidence and esteem of the people of Los Angeles County, and they have honored him accordingly.

The sketch of James B. Weaver will be found elsewhere by reference to the index.

By EDWARD H. STILES DES MOINES THE HOMESTEAD PUBLISHING CO. 1916

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