ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

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         The soil of Iowa is rich and fertile and in every respect is adapted to various crops, while it is particularly excellent for pasture land, enabling one who desires to engage extensively in stock-raising to follow that business to great advantage. Among those who are successfully carrying on farming and stock-raising in Louisa county, this state, is numbered Alexander Hamilton. Born in Fayette county, Ohio, on the 14th of August, 1831, he is a son of Samuel and Mary (Holland) Hamilton, both natives of the Buckeye state, who came to Iowa in 1841. On their arrival here the father purchased school land in Louisa county, where he carried on farming for many years, and where he and his wife both passed away. Of their family of thirteen children only three yet survive, namely: Alexander, of this review; D. D., residing in Louisa township; and Mary J., the wife of James Banks, of Wapello.

         Fortunate in being reared amid the wholesome environment of farm life, Alexander Hamilton divided the period of his boyhood and youth between the acquirement of an education in the country schools and the work of the home farm. He early became familiar with the various phases of agriculture, and his thorough training in the fields formed the foundation for his latter-day success in that direction. He remained with his parents until he had attained man’s estate and then engaged in farming on his own account, renting a place which he operated for three years. At the end of that time he purchased his present farm, consisting of one hundred and seventy-six acres on section 35, Wapello township, which he has highly improved and from which, since his occupancy, he has been reaping bountiful harvests. He has planted a good orchard, has a fine grove of trees of his own planting, is modern and practical in his methods, and his land is as well kept and productive as any in the township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding a good grade of stock, and his careful management of both branches of his business has enabled him to place himself in prosperous circumstances.

         On the 4th of December, 1856, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Dotson, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Louisa county, Iowa, in 1844. She is a daughter of Bazel S. and Mary (Davidson) Dotson, natives of Pennsylvania and England respectively. Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been born nine children, as follows: Anna Letta, who married G. W. Schofield, of Wapello township; Juan Darilla, the wife of William Torode, of Louisa county; A. G., also of this county; T. T., a resident of the state of Washington; Adaline, who married William O. Syphrit, of Louisa county; Bertha, the wife of E. E. Campbell, also of this county; . . .

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. . . Frank, residing in this county; George, filling the position of express agent for the Rock Island Railroad Company; and Charles, yet at home. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 4th of December, 1900. She was a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind and was highly esteemed in the community.

         In politics Mr. Hamilton gives his support to the democratic party but has never sought nor desired public office. He is a substantial citizen who merits the respect and confidence of the entire community. His present prosperity is due to his own exertions and careful management entirely, and he is now comfortably situated in life.