My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD LA RUE HAMILTON. Of the eminent men of Michigan, many have found the legal profession the stepping-stone on which they have risen to prominence. There are now a number of young men possessing keen discrimination, acute perception, sound judgment and shrewd insight, of whose future their friends hold great expectations. Among this number is the subject of this biographical notice, who is a prominent attorney-at-law and counselor residing in Niles. Notwithstanding the adverse circumstances under which he labored in his youth, he has risen to a position of influence in Berrien County, and conducts an extensive practice in all the courts.

A native of the county in which he now makes his home, Edward La Rue Hamilton was born on the 9th of December, 1857. His father, Edward L., and his grandfather, John J. Hamilton, were both natives of New York, and the former was born in Oneida County in 1834. He was only one year old when he was brought to Michigan, and in Berrien County he grew to a vigorous manhood. A farmer by occupation, he engaged in general agricultural pursuits until his death in 1876. His wife was Margaret Ann, the daughter of James and Margaret (Goodenough) Jameson, and a native of Massachusetts. She was of direct Scotch descent, her grandfather, James Jameson, having been born in the “land of thistles.”

Upon the farm and in the schoolroom, the boyhood of Edward La Rue Hamilton was uneventfully passed. After conducting his studies in the Niles schools for four years, he entered the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he remained for a short time. The death of his father caused him to leave school and return to the homestead, where, aided by his mother, he succeeded in clearing the farm of a heavy incumbrance left upon it by his father. When the place was again unincumbered, he entered the law office of Judge H. H. Coolidge, of Niles, where he conducted his legal studies for some time. Being admitted to the Bar in 1884, he at once opened an office in Niles, where he is now well established in his profession.

The lady who, on the 18th of October, 1883, became the wife of Mr. Hamilton, was Miss Cora V., daughter of Dr. Alfred Eddy, formerly of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have an attractive and cozy home in Niles, and in addition to this property he owns one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land, which he values the more highly on account of it having been the home of his parents during their long residence in Berrien County. An active Republican, he has rendered effective service in behalf of his party and during the campaigns frequently “stumps” the county and district. Fraternally, he is a member of St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M.; St. Joseph Chapter, R. A. M.; and Niles Commandery No. 12, K. T.