BIOGRAPHY: David C. HAMAKER, Mifflin County, PA

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The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising 
the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania.
Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume I, page 484.

  DAVID C. HAMAKER, Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., was born at Lewistown, May 
18, 1853.  He is a son of Adam and Matilda (Smith) Hamaker.  Adam Hamaker was 
born March 4, 1807, near Hummelstown, Swatara township, Dauphin county, Pa.  He 
received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and was apprenticed 
to Mr. Hummel, harness-maker and coach-trimmer, whose shop stood in what is now 
the central part of Harrisburg.  In 1829, having finished his term of service, 
Adam Hamaker walked the whole distance to Lewistown, Mifflin county.  Here he 
first worked at his trade as a journeyman, and afterwards opened a shop of his 
own.  In 1851 he became the proprietor of the Black Bear, now the Valley House.  
Some time after he took the Union, now the Miller House.  Mr. Hamaker was 
encouraged by his success, and decided to rent the National House, which he 
afterwards purchased, and made a well-kept, successful house.  He also purchased 
the old Lewistown Hotel;  this he closed, repairing and improving the property 
to make for himself a comfortable home.  In 1865 he retired from business, and 
removed with his family to the dwelling thus prepared for them.  Mr. Adam 
Hamaker may be called a self-made man.  His patience, untiring industry and 
careful but liberal management, enabled him to spend the latter days of his life 
in ease and comfort.  He was interested in the improvement of the community, and 
although he never desired office, he has always identified himself with the 
Republican party.  Mr. Adam Hamaker was married, September 12, 1830, to Matilda 
Smith, who was born at Lewistown, May 18, 1811.  They had seven children:  James 
P.;  William Wilson;  Henry Harrison;  Marion F.;  Reuben Smith;  Lee Emma;  and 
David C.  All the children are dead except David.  Mrs. Hamaker died January 29, 
1884;  her husband on November 22, 1884.  David C. Hamaker received his 
education in the public schools of Lewistown, Pa., and remained at home until he 
attained his majority.  He has been for twenty-five years, and is at present, 
the agent of Adams Express Company, at Lewistown.  Mr. Hamaker is a substantial 
citizen;  inheriting his father's sense of justice and sound business 
principles, he occupies an honored position in the community.  Like his father, 
he adheres to the Republican party.  He is also a member of Lewistown Council, 
No. 934, of the R. A.
  David C. Hamaker was married September 23, 1880, to Catharine, daughter of 
Jacob and Susan (Murray) Breneman.  They have two children:  Maud Irwin;  and 
Walter Murray.  Mr. Hamaker and his family are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church.