My Genealogy Hound

WILLLIAM HAMILTON, farmer, was born near his present residence in 1836, and is the son of David M. and Elizabeth (Morton) Hamilton. The father was a native of South Carolina, born in 1809, and was of Scotch-Irish lineage. He came to Tennessee in 1811 with his father, John Hamilton, who settled in the Twelfth District, bought property, and remained until his career ended, about 1813. While chopping a tree it suddenly split and flew back, striking Mr. Hamilton and killing him instantly. His wife returned to South Carolina in a short time to look after his unsettled business, going and returning on horseback through unbroken forests, bivouacking out of nights along the route. David M., our subject’s father, lived in Lincoln County at the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1831. He lived in different parts of Lincoln County, but the last five years of his life were passed in the Fourteenth District. He owned 160 acres of land, and may properly be classed as one of the early settlers. He died in 1845, in the prime of life. The mother of our subject was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1813, and was of Irish extraction. Her father, Alexander Morton, was a native of Ireland. He came to Lincoln County at a very early date, and was one of the first white men in the county. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Hamilton has lived with her children, and for the past eighteen years has lived with her son William. There were five children, four of whom are living. William was reared at home, and received a practical education in the public schools. October 22, 1857, he married Elizabeth E. Wyatt, daughter of Thomas Wyatt. Mrs. Hamilton was born in Lincoln County in 1835, and the result of her marriage was the birth of two children: David Knox and Mollie (wife of John Montgomery). After marriage Mr. Hamilton resided on the old home-place until 1868. In 1870 he had the misfortune to lose his wife, and January 8, 1878, he wedded Mrs. Anna (Telford) Massey, daughter of William Telford. The second Mrs. Hamilton was born in 1857, in Marion County, Ill., and this marriage resulted in the birth of one child, Cora Agnes. In 1872 Mr. Hamilton purchased 100 acres of land in the Twelfth District, where he has since resided. He is one of the farmers of Lincoln County who is possessed with modern ideas of cultivating the soil. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.