Goodspeed's Biography of Joseph Hamilton, Grant Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Jackie Dill Date: 27 Jul 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** Joseph Hamilton, by well-directed efforts and energy, has come to be well and favorably known to the citizens of Grant County. He first saw the light of day in Marion County, Tenn., October 19, 1843, as the son of William and Sarah (Fowler) (Hicks) Hamilton, of Tennessee origin. The father was born January 8, 1807, and died November 6, 1876. His wife was born May 4, 1808, and died August 1, 1887. They were married in their native State, there made their home until 1857, and then came to Arkansas, locating in what was Saline County now Grant County, in the neighborhood of where their son Joseph lives. William Hamilton was a wagon-maker and a farmer, and together with his wife, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly half a century. His wife was the widow of E. M. Hicks (deceased). There was born to the marriage of William Hamilton and Sarah Hicks, a family of five children, Joseph being the oldest. Four of the children are living: Joseph, Sarah (wife of W. T. Stocton, farmer of Grant County), Emily (wife of Asa A. Billingslea, of Grant County) and Cynthia T. (wife of A. B. Childers, farmer of Grant County); Nancy K. (the wife of Henry Paxton, of Grant County, died when thirty years of age). Joseph Hamilton received his education in Tennessee, and on July 11, 1861, enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Arkansas Infantry, Confederate army. He was taken prisoner below New Madrid, Mo., and then carried north and confined in Camp Douglas, Chicago. After an incarceration of only ten days, he and his half-brother, E. M. Hicks, made their escape by crawling through a hole in the wall of the barracks. Their monetary possession amounted to $1.25, and they were 1,000 miles from home, among enemies. Plainly perceiving that their only hope in reaching home was in walking, they set out; but after braving all sorts of dangers and suffering privation after privation, at the close of the thirty-sixth day on the road, they reached home, foot-sore, lame and weary. Resting but briefly at their homes, they again joined their command at Port Hudson. On June 3, at Clinton, La., Mr. Hamilton was once more taken prisoner, soon being paroled and returning home, where he remained. He took part in the battles of Island No. 10, Port Hudson and other places along the Mississippi River. After recovering from the effects of the war, he made an extended trip through Texas, on horseback, trading in stock. In 1870 he located on the place where E. M. Hicks began to farm, and has ever since followed farming and stock raising and trading. The war wiped away all his property, but by continued industry and able management, he has been very successful. In 1876 he moved to the place on which he now lives. He was married in 1873, to Sallie Wylie, daughter of David J. Wylie. She was born in Gordon County, Ga., on March 1, 1855. By this union there were seven children, all living: Cynthia L., Joseph W., Ralph W., Ida, Blanche, David B. and Lawrence G. Mrs. Hamilton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while her husband is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic order.