The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1895-01-24
PATRICK HAMILL.
An Interesting Sketch of HIS Career
BY an Old Friend.

The death Of Judge 2. Hamill on
the 18th day of January, 1895, at
his home in Oakland, Nd, is an
important occurrence, not only to
the people Of this county, but to
many beyond It's bounds,
The scope Of his acquaintance
and usefulness was quite extensive
in all the departments Of practical
and commendable life. These were
the products of a long, industrious
and strictly methodical life, in
which there was no waste or inten-
i-ionai wrong. He caused everv
day to make its return of some
useful thing to himself, family or
the public. But his blameless ca
reer came to its final period to the
regret of all, after he had finally
filled the Psalmists allowance of
three score and ten.
The papers in this county, and
even outside of it, in announcing
his death, have given a long list of
the public offices, high and low,
filed by him, beginning with tax
collector for old Allegany county so
far back as 1871, followed by two
elections to the legislature-in 1743
and 1914, respectfully, followed by
number Of terms as judge of the
orphans court for Allegany county
first by executive prerogative, and
then by the voice of the people
crowned by term in Congress,
elected in 1868 as the successor of
the far famed Coy. Francis Thomas,
whom he in former years, under
other political circumstances, loved
to follow and admire. Finally
postmaster at Oakland for four
years in President Cleveland's first
administration. After then, to his
ripened death, his life was retired
and inactive. Many times an Office
holder, but never an officeseeker.
Always faithful, efficient and fit in
whatever trust came to him-un-
sought.
But all these honorable features
OF his life, leaYe untold many esti-
mable traits of a private nature,
that are not inferior to his public
record. He was self-made and
mostly self-taught, by close and
careful application, but free from
egotism which often mar the char
acter of men thus formed for life's
purposes.
His elementary equipments were
all directly practical-including a
respectable trade-carpenter, but
higher mental and moral qualities,
led him early to other pursuits, but
not in forgetfuless of the trade he
always honored.
The judge-he was usually so
addressed-was always of and IN
the Democratic party. No change
IN It's fortunes made any impressions
on his adhesion. He believed in
Democracy, and it is to be said,
more in the old creed than mere
party. There are of us who do not
and cannot believe his creed is
good or right, but he was strictly
honest and conscientious, and that
is enough to challenge the respect
of any fair minded man. Though
a strict party man, he was clean in
his party dealings, just as he fully
was in all business and social affairs.
The i'll practices of party were not
of his invention or choice.
In early life he became a member
of the M. E. church-so he lived
and died. Not satisfied with mere
membership(which was untarnished
throughout) but he made it advan-
sive for higher purposes. Mary
years ago he was ordained q local
minister, and was not only active,
but useful in that sphere. He
never subordinated his church du-
ties to political employments. One
of his favorite places for his minis
try was Firm Rock.
In his domestic relations he was
fortunate and felicltous. His strick
en- wife was the daughter of Mr..
Enoch Kight, one of our most
respectable citizens of bygone wears.