D. D. HAMILTON.

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         D. D. Hamilton, an agriculturist whose efforts have been attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity, is the owner of three hundred and seventy acres of land, constituting one of the most highly improved farms in Marshall township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Louisa county, his birth having here occurred on the 3d of February, 1850. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Holland) Hamilton, both of whom were natives of Ohio, came to this county in 1840. The father here entered a tract of land and erected a log cabin, making his home therein for several years. He continued to reside in Louisa county throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 13th of September, 1886, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 15th of March, 1895.

         Samuel Hamilton was widely recognized as a leading business man and, though classed as an agriculturist, turned the active work of the fields over to his sons. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he was always an active worker in the local ranks of the party but supported Lincoln when the great emancipator was made a presidential candidate for the second time. For more than forty years he served as justice of the peace in Louisa county, his fair and impartial decisions winning him “golden opinions from all sorts of people.” He was a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence.

         Unto him and his wife were born twelve children, as follows: Ann, whose natal year was 1829 and who has passed away; Alexander, who is a resident of Wapello township; Sarah I., Stephen G., and Susan E., all of whom are deceased; Mary J., the wife of James Banks, of Wapello, Iowa; Lorane, deceased; Lydia M. and Melvina, twins, who died in infancy; another, who died in infancy; D. D. of this review; and Samuel T. who is likewise deceased.

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         D. D. Hamilton attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. When twenty-one years of age, he secured a tax title to five acres of land and as his financial resources increased owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until at the present time his farm embraces three hundred and seventy acres, all of which he cleared of the timber. The many substantial improvements which now adorn the property and which make it one of the model farms of the township stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Large crops of grain are annually garnered and in connection with the tilling of the soil Mr. Hamilton also raises stock, this branch of his business proving to him a profitable source of income.

         In 1885 Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss S. C. Hunt, who was born in Morning Sun township, Louisa county, in 1854, her parents being S. G. and Margaret (Curran) Hunt, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of J. C. Hunt, a brother of Mrs. Hamilton. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, namely: Samuel, whose natal day was December 19, 1886, and who passed away September 13, 1887; Franc M., who was born on the 19th of October, 1888, and now follows the profession of school teaching; Stephen C., who was born on the 17th of November, 1890, and is at home; Mary S., born June 24, 1892, who graduated from the high school at Morning Sun with the class of 1911; and D. D., Jr., whose birth occurred on the 24th of June, 1896, and who is also at home.

         Mr. Hamilton is a stalwart democrat in politics but has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of office. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. They have spent their entire lives within the borders of Louisa county and are well and favorably known, the hospitality of the best homes of the locality being cordially extended to them.