My Genealogy Hound

Wellington R. Hamilton was born in Southern Arkansas in August, 1853, and is a son of R. S. and Frances (Aday) Hamilton, both natives of Tennessee. The parents removed from their native State to Southern Arkansas in 1833, and located on a farm, where they remained until the death of the father, in 1871. Wellington R. Hamilton was reared at the home of his parents, and early learned the tinner’s trade, at which he worked in Southern Arkansas until 1866, when he went to Southwest Missouri. Locating at Washburn, Mo., he there worked at his trade for three years, after which he went to Colorado, and worked at his trade a short time at Georgetown. Returning to Southwest Missouri he remained there until 1875, when he came to Berryville, and resumed working at his trade. Under Hayes’ administration he was appointed postmaster, which position he resigned after three years. Soon after locating at Berryville he established a general hardware store, which he operated until the spring of 1888. Although Mr. Hamilton commenced business with very limited means, by careful management he has become one of the most wealthy and substantial men of Berryville. In the spring of 1888 the Berryville Evaporating Company was organized, with W. P. George as president, L. Nunnally, secretary, and J. W. Freeman, A. Bobo and W. R. Hamilton, directors. The company have erected a building and put in machinery for evaporating fruit. They have also established a canning factory with a capacity of 6,000 cans per day. The enterprise is an important and worthy one, and will be a valuable acquisition to the city of Berryville. Mr. Hamilton was married in 1878 to Beatrice McKennon, a native of the county, who was also reared and educated here. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of three sons: Freddie C., Claudie F., and Chester C. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge of Berryville.