Vitals: Obits: Hamilton, William Laughlin, Indiana Co 

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 March 12, 1896                                
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Mr. William Laughlin Hamilton, one of Indiana county's oldest 
and most respected citizens died at his home in White township, 
two miles east of town, on last Thursday evening at 7:50.  The 
funeral was held on Saturday afternoon, interment being made 
in Oakland cemetery. Rev. Dr. Hall, of the Presbyterian church, 
conducted the services.  Mr. Hamilton's death was directly due 
to injuries sustained by a fall about six weeks ago.  While 
standing on a load of hay in his barn he lost his balance and 
fell off, his head striking the floor. For a time his friends 
believed he was recovering from the injury but time developed 
the fact that the shock was too much for his nervous system, 
and he gradually sank beneath the strain.  Mr. Hamilton was 
aged almost 82 years, and had lived for more than 50 years 
in the vicinity in which he died.  He was born near Homer City 
and moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton to near 
what is now Mitchell Mills.  It was about the year 1835 that the 
family located in White Township.  Deceased is survived by his 
wife, who is over 80 years of age, and four children.  The latter 
are G. T., the well-known Indiana businessman; Mrs. S. S. Munshower, 
of White Township, James, who lives at home, and Sample of Red Oak, 
Ia. In religion Mr. Hamilton was a Presbyterian, and for about 65 
years has been a elder in the church and always took an active 
interest in all church work.  In his death White township loses 
one of her pioneer citizens and a man of sterling integrity and 
uprightness of character.

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William Laughlin Hamilton died at his home in White township, two 
miles east of Indiana, on Thursday, March 12, 1896, in his 82nd year.  
A recent fall in the barn as he was going about  his work induced 
his last illness, and for many days preceding his end he was 
delirious.  He was married to  Jane Trimble in 1841, who is yet 
living, and to them six children were born, four of whom are now 
living, viz: George T., of Indiana; Mrs. S. S. Munshower, of White 
township; James, at home and Sample, now a resident of Red Oak, 
Iowa.  In the early years of his life the deceased united with 
the Presbyterian church. Shortly before the war, when the slavery 
question was high, Mr. Hamilton could not agree with the church 
doctrine which permitted slaveholders to commune, and he life the 
denomination, joining the United Presbyterian church.  At the close 
of the war, when the slavery question was determined, he re-united 
with the Presbyterian denomination, and died a ruling elder of that 
body.  He detested human slavery, and after the passage of the 
fugitive slave law he was more active, if possible, in his opposition.  
He lent his personal aid to slaves fleeing from captivity and was 
one of the directors of  what in those days was known as the 
"underground railroad," by which the escaping roadsmen were hurried 
through to Canada.  A party of these fleeing Negro's on one occasion 
were lodged in Dr. Mitchell's barn, a few miles distant from Mr. 
Hamilton's residence, and one night there came in  pursuit of them 
a party of southern slavecatchers, who were accompanied and being 
guided by a couple of Indiana citizens of strong Democratic 
proclivities.  The party on arriving at Mr. Hamilton's made caution 
inquiries of the road leading to the Mitchell farm.  Suspecting their 
object, and after their departure, Mr. Hamilton mounted his horse, 
and going rapidly by little known by-ways reached the place before 
the pursuers and warned them of the search being made for them.  
They were safely conducted to a neighboring woods, and all eventually 
made their way to Canada.  It was for harboring and abetting the 
escape of this party of slaves that Dr. Robert Mitchell was subsequently 
arrested, taken to Pittsburg, tried under the provisions of the fugitive 
slave law and forced to pay damages amounting to the sum of about 
$4,000.00 or $5,000.00.  During the war Mr. Hamilton contributed 
liberally of his means for its prosecution by the Union soldiers, and 
none rejoiced more heartily upon the downfall of the Confederacy and 
the obliteration of slavery in the United States.
 His religious professions were based upon an unswerving and unyielding 
faith in his Maker, and his life was exemplary in every way.  He held 
in an eminent degree the esteem and respect of the community, and his 
cheerful manner and the probity of his character during his long life 
endeared him to everyone who knew him.  The remains were laid to rest 
on Saturday.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Hall, who 
paid an earnest and just tribute to the memory of a good man.