File contributed by Fred Hamilton ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Brief biography of James Meriwether and Julia Calhoun Hamilton James Meriwether Hamilton was born 20 Apr 1855, in Shiloh, Union Parish, LA. He married Julia Mary Calhoun 28 Oct 1875, in Downsville, Union, LA. Their marriage license is on file in the Union Parish Courthouse, Farmerville, LA. She was born 1 Sep 1853, in Mt. Lebanon, Bienville Parish, LA. They had 11 children: 1) John William Hamilton, born 27 Aug 1876, in Downsville, Union, LA, died 15 Jun 1877, in Downsville, Union, LA, and was buried in Shiloh, Union, LA. 2. Janie May Hamilton, born 4 Jun 1878, died 4 Feb 1964. 3. Wilbur Henry Hamilton, born 20 Jun 1880, died 9 Sep 1952. 4. Archie Hamilton, born 29 Aug 1882, in Downsville, Union, LA, died 4 Apr 1888, in Downsville, Union, LA, and was buried in Shiloh, Union, LA. 5. James Calhoun Hamilton, born 8 Nov 1884, died 1 Jun 1964. 6. Frank Hamilton, born 24 Mar 1887, in Downsville, Union, LA, died 29 Jul 1890, in Downsville, Union, LA, and was buried in Shiloh, Union, LA. 7. Fred S. Hamilton, born 20 May 1889, died 8 Dec 1968. 8. Mattie Lou Hamilton, born 18 Mar 1891, died 27 Jan 1977. 9. Joseph Jackson Hamilton, born 7 Dec 1892, died 26 Sep 1975. 10. Mary Anna Agnes Hamilton, born 27 Dec 1894, died 28 Dec 1973. 11. John David Hamilton, born 16 Sep 1897, died 17 Feb 1954. Julia died 27 Apr 1939, in Downsville, Union, LA, and was buried 29 Apr 1939, in Sibley, Lincoln, LA. Her obituary follows: OBIT--RUSTON DAILY LEADER, April 29, 1939, page 1 MRS. J.M. HAMILTON OF DOWNSVILLE DIES FRIDAY EVENING--FUNERAL SERVICES CONDUCTED AT ALABAMA CHURCH TODAY DOWNSVILLE, LA---Mrs. Julia Calhoun Hamilton, widow of Dr. J.M. Hamilton, who was a prominent physician in this section for many years, died here Friday night at 7 o'clock. Born in Mt. Lebanon, La., in 1853, Mrs. Hamilton came to Union parish at an early age. She had lived here about 65 years. The funeral was held this morning at 10 o'clock at the Alabama church at Sibley, with Rev. Robinson officiating. Mrs. Hamilton is survived by the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Janie Sartor, Alto; Wilbur, Fred, and Joe Hamilton, Mrs. Mary Hinton, Mrs. Mattie Lou McGehee, all of Downsville; James C. Hamilton, Dubach; and J.D. Hamilton, Monroe; and 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. James Meriwether died 11 Aug 1936, in Downsville, Union, LA, and was buried 11 Aug 1936, in Sibley, Lincoln, LA. His obituary follows: OBIT--RUSTON DAILY LEADER, Wednesday, August 12, 1936, page 1 DR. HAMILTON DIES AT DOWNSVILLE TUESDAY MORNING. WELL KNOWN PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMAN IS LAID TO REST AT AGE 81 Dr. J.M. Hamilton, 81, well-known physician and sportsman of Downsville, died early Tuesday morning at his home in Downsville following a stroke when he suffered last Friday. Dr. Hamilton retired from the active practice of medicine about 20 years ago after having practiced for 40 years. Following his retirement, Dr. Hamilton devoted his time to farming, hunting, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, five sons, Wilbur, Fred, and Joe Hamilton fo Downsville; Jim Hamilton of Dubach; and J.D. Hamilton of Monroe; three daughters, Mrs. W.T. Sartor of Alto; Mrs. R.M. McGehee and Mrs. J.P. Hinton of Downsville; 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Sibley cemetery, near Choudrant, with the Rev. S.E. McFadden, pastor of the Ruston Presbyterian Church, and Rev. F.B. Bachman, pastor of the Downsville Baptist Church, officiating. Interment took place in the Sibley cemetery. Below is article on the life of Dr. James Meriwether Hamilton from the MONROE MORNING WORLD, Monroe, Louisiana, 1936. LIFE OF LATE DR. HAMILTON ONE OF UNUSUAL ENTERPRISE (EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. J.M. Hamilton, of Downsville, one of the most noted figures in the rural life of northeast Louisiana, was representative of the finest traditions of the "country doctor" in the south. He died in his home last Tuesday. The following story of his life is a testimonial of appreciation, written by one who knew him intimately.) By H.L. MCKNIGHT (Former Secretary, Ruston Chamberof Commerce) The passing of a man who lived wisely, labored hard, and loved devotedly in one community for more than half a hundred years, completes a chapter in local history that requires more than a mere passing notice. Dr. Hamilton spent more than 50 of his 81 years ministering to the sick, counseling the well and contributing to the welfare of his chosen community, Downsville. Going to that somewhat isolated, but not backward community at the age of 28, and only shortly after securing his medical degree from the College of Mobile in Alabama, he started life without funds but not without friends. Prior to going to Downsville, he practiced his profession in the Mars Hill Community, Union Parish. It was while practicing medicine in that almost forgotten community that this virile, courageous young physician followed the practice of riding his plow horse to the field, taking the saddle and his medicine case off, putting on plow harness and plowing steadily until a call came from some farm home where illness required the presence of a doctor. When these calls came, Dr. Hamilton quickly exchanged the plow harness for the ever-ready saddle and throwing in his medicine case, rode away with the same courage and confidence that marked his whole career. When the distress in that far-away farm home had been relieved, he rode back to his idle plow and again took up the business of helping out a limited medical practice with a good crop. And he almost always made a good crop, too. To unlimited energy, he added a full measure of acquired ability. He worked hard, read and studied constantly, and within a few years was recognized as a leader in his profession. Large in stature, strong in mind and body, this remarkable country doctor soon made for himself a place of security in the minds and in the hearts of the entire countryside. His services were sought far and wide. It required two of the best horses in a day when good horses were in demand to stand the strain of a practice that frequently covered 400-mile distances. Day or night, too often in the dead of night--this energetic, ambitious young physician answered the call of the sick, and answered it just as promptly when he knew there would no pay as he did when he knew his fee was secure. These night rides sometimes started with getting lost in the dark in his own horse lot, trying to find his faithful mount. As the busy years rolled by, Dr. Hamilton accumulated large holdings in his chosen community, and also had investments in Monroe, Farmerville, and elsewhere. He did not believe in waste any more than he believed in idleness. His whole life was characterized by boundless energy, rigid honesty, steadfastness of purpose, and a courage that was dauntless and challenging. But energy, thrift, and courage were not his only virtues. Many men can "make money" for themselves. Dr. Hamilton made money for others. Many men who will perhaps read these lines, will recall how this good man and physician came to their rescue in money matters when no one else trusted them, in a business way. If it were permissible to call names right here, the list would be lengthy. And let it be said to the everlasting credit of this man that in almost every case, these young men who got a start with Dr. Hamilton's money made good. Dr. Hamilton was never officially connected with any church. He supported three churches, but "belonged" to none. Borrowing a phrase from "Uncle" Dan Barr's talk at the graveside, "Dr. Hamilton's daily life was just an expression of his Christ." He was recognized as a Bible scholar, though he had little patience with "fragments of theology or figments of doctrines." Dr. Hamilton never aspired to public office. He preferred to live the life of a private citizen, interested in his neighbors, his friends, his state, and his country. He served as postmaster of Downsville for a few years. It was during these years and after that he engaged successfully in the mercantile business. But Dr. Hamilton knew how to play as well as how to work. He loved the great open spaces. The forest, the river, the lake, and sometimes the plains, called him loudly. He knew and loved good horses, good dogs, wild of every species. Few men of his day knew better than he the haunts of the wily trout, or the "runs" of the sly fox or the habits of the white-tailed deer. To Dr. Hamilton the music of the chase was nothing less than a rural symphony. For many years, he kept a pack of the best dogs to be had any where. Dr. Hamilton was the son of William Henry Hamilton and Peninah Sutton Hamilton. He was born at "Old Shiloh," Union Parish. He is survived by his widow and five sons, Wilbur Hamilton, F.S. Hamilton, and J.J. Hamilton, all of Downsville; J.C. Hamilton of Dubach; and J.D. Hamilton of Monroe; by three daughters, Mrs. W.T. Sartor of Alto; and Mrs. R.M. McGehee and Mrs. J.P. Hinton both of Downsville. # # #