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         SAMUEL HAMILTON, one of the pioneers of Louisa County, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, in 1808. He was united in marriage, in 1828, with Miss Mary Holland, a daughter of Thomas and Lorena (Cahill) Holland, who were natives of Ohio. By their union twelve children were born, five of whom are living: Alex, a resident of this county; Sarah, wife of Milton Gilmore, of Morning Sun, Iowa; Stephen, who is living in Fresno, Cal.; Jane, wife of James Banks, of Louisa county, and D. D., of Morning Sun.

In 1841 Mr. Hamilton came with his family to this county, locating in Wapello Township, where he resided until the year 1870, and then removed to Morning Sun. For several years after coming to this State he was engaged in teaching school, at the same time directing the improvements of the farm. For nearly half a century Esquire Hamilton was recognized in this county as one of its most prominent and respected citizens. His death occurred Sept. 13, 1886. During these years of a well-spent life he had held many positions of honor and trust connected with the affairs of the county. A Democrat in politics all his life, yet his standing as a man and citizen was such that he was frequently elected to township and city offices by his Republican neighbors, all feeling that he was a conscientious man, and one of sound, cool judgment, whom it would do to trust in any responsible position. He served as a Justice of the Peace for thirty years. He was a man of peace, and would give his neighbors such good advice that many lawsuits were settled by him without litigation. He was also very discreet in his opinions, but when once determining what was right no one could be mistaken as to his views. In every relation of life his name was held above reproach. Possessed of a remarkable memory, intelligent, a good conversationalist, and possessing a genial nature, he was one of the most companionable of men. Not alone in his hospitable . . .

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. . . home, which his death has made so desolate, will he be missed, but in the church which he loved, in the business circles, and among his neighbors. Mrs. Hamilton is still living in Morning Sun, patiently waiting until she too shall be called to join her husband in that beautiful haven which has been prepared for the just.