Idaho Springs siftings., 1904-02-06
KAMILL DEAD
CLEAR CREEK MINING MAN AND PoLl-
TtctAN sucCuMBs TO BLOOD
POISON
MADE SENATOR'S AND GOVERNORS
FOR WEARS THE HEAD AND FRONT OF
The REPUBLICAN PARTY OF
THE STATE

The death of General William A.
Hamill was announced in the benver
Republican of Wednesday, having taken
place at St. Joseph's hos i,al at a. M,
the cause being blood poisoning His
wife and two sons were at the bedside.
Thus is hersld,d the quiet passing
away of a man at one time prominent in
the history making of this state and
county. When the writer first came to
this couaty, General Hamill WAS the
one potential figure in mining and pol
itical circles. While at that time lie had
dissipated with lavish hand the bulk OF
large fortune made in minirg, he yet
had sufficient to n'aintsin his influence.
He had been among tht fortunate ones
who went to Georgetown i'll the early
days, and soon became interested in the
Dives. one of the great silver bonanzas.
Litigation due to conflict of mining
claims soon afterward arose and wss at
tended with much bitter feeling. Mr..
Hamill defeated the men who attempted
to freeze him out of the property. He
also bad their personal notes to the
amount of $40, 900, but being well salts
fed with the result Of the litip alton, be-
ing awarded simply What by rights was
his, he tore up the notes, his was but
one instance Of his &, ,nerosity.
Mr.. Hamill was $50 injected with
the Terrible mire, now operated by the
Whiting company. In 1870 this property
was sold for a half-million dollars, and
Mr.. Hsmili found he Rad been left out of
the transaction by his associates. they
having patented the ground ahead OF
him But by obtaining posse ssion Of the
ground adjacent, he fiualiy won out.
He interested Senator Joseph u. Cbsfiee
and the two remained in partnership Ill
the death of the latter.
An enthusiastic rept blican. Mr.. Hamiil
from the first took active interest in
local affairs and early WAS ack nowl.dge
lea Ter. His influence and striking
personality were later recognized III Lead
ing political circles in the territory aud
state.
When prosperity shone upon him. Mr..
HamilI was never a seeker for official
honors. He attained commanding po-
stion in his party, named men for the
Offices of senator aud governor. aud then
spent his own money VI tie struggle to
elect them. His patriotic Efforts, how
ever, were recognized by his own county
and he was induced To accept the position
OF state senator. HIS other positions
were honorary helug state chairman.
II ,tionai { mini teeman and delegate at
times
For wears he was considered by many
as a strong possibility for the United
States senate, but while in later years he
did have aspirations in that quarter. he
failed 10 reach the goal.
In Clear Creek county Mr. Hamill ex-
efted a powerful influence politically. and
this was not always confined to helping
III n in his own party, IL is said. The re-
suits sometimes were somewhat surpris.
ing, democrats sailing into office in
strong republican county. Be this as 1t
may, in state and national policies, MI
Hamill's republicanism was of the siren
ueus order. and proved invulnerable even
against the great silver wave Of 1876,
which practically enRulfed the state.
The last public Office held by Mr..
Hamill was that of state railroad COM
missioner.
| He was born in England. coming To
this country when boy. He served in
shipbuiIder's Office for few years He
took part in the civil war, serving with
distinction.
He owned at one time a MOTOR portion
Of the Denver Tribune. He was appoint
ed brigadier general of militia by Cow
eruor Pitkin.
Mr. Hamill was married to Miss Pris-
ella Mckee, daughter of noted Quaker
family OF Philadelphia, and had family
of four sons and one daughter. Mrs. Van
B .chten Of Detroit The eldest son was
accidentally shot while hunting in North
park. Hockey T.. another son, is post
master at Geor clown.