The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-12
SORROW CAUSED BY
 HAMILTON'S DEATH
Succumbs to Wound Inflicted
 By Pistol Bullet
ON FORGE FOR MANY YEARS
Born In Elyton Forty-slx Years Ago. His Father Died Two Months Ago and His Brother Was Killed
 Within the Past Year.


 watch over the remains of Samuel H. Hamilton, detective, Christian, gentle man. Sixty loyal policemen, men of Drawn, and men with hearts, mourn the death of an officer who was ever their friend and helpmate. Birmingham, for ten years guarded by the officer who now lies in the valley of death, sees his tent pitched in the bivouac of the beyond, his firearms stacked his sentinel post vacant, and while she wonders if his place can be filed from her people there goes up plaint of universal sorrow.
 It is al such times that a city full of hurry and rumble, pauses for just mo- rnent, and, as the cold corpse Is laid away. looking into the narrow grave realizes and appreciates the work of the bluecoat. marching silently on his beat and the detective, searching the haunts of murderers and cut-throats. Seldom is there eommendation when, in his daily rounds, now conquering the frenzied crlm- inal, now rushing into the center of flying shots, now capturing the burglar, wild hound at bay, he protects the peace and lives of law abiding citizens, but when the cold steel seeks the heart, and the ! pulse beat of the citys guardian flutters and ceases, and not until then. do they know him he was.
 Not only the little badge of crape which | will be worn by each policeman during the coming month, not only the absence of cheerful face, will attract the att tention, but the ndelible memory of Sam Hamilton as d man is imprinted upon everyone that knew him.
 In Discharge of Duties.
 Hamilton received his death wound while in the discharge of his duty 1t may have been a mistaken idea of duty, but the circumstances which developed were the opposite from any which could have been foretold. He received the bull let meant for another man, fired by a woman. Had he been endeavorng to capture criminal, the outcome would have been far different, for Sam Hamilton was known to have been the quickest man on the force. He had an eagles eye, that brought him safely through many dangerous places. His chief said last night that Sam never would have been shot had he received half warning
 Only a few weeks ago, when a negro l murderer had shot and seriously wounded Policeman Street, Hamilton intervened and saved the officer from a sure death He then carried the unconscious man in one arm, and led the murderer, unfet- l tered, by the other, more than block His career as an officer has been full of l just such experiences.
 Shot By Mrs. Maeness. 1 The facts of the shooting, as well known, are that Hamilton was in a car riage when he was shot by Mrs. Annie Magness, who, seeing someone taking her children, ran to the window and began shooting. The detective received the first bullet which was intended for the woman's former husband, w. R. White. The wounded officer was then brought, post-haste, to Browns infirmary, where he underwent difficult operation, lin gered through two days, and then died at noon yesterday.
 When the grim hand of dea tn claimed it's victim, the wife, daughter Chief Wier, Detective Bodeker and other off ccrs labored with him in his last breath For three hours the moment had been expected. for tile palor of death was upon him.
 The deceased was born in layton 46 years ago. He was a member of large family, and grew up with the town. In 1896 he received his commission on the Birmingham police force and for six years served faithfully in that capacity. -Four years he has been laboring jointly wth Detective Bodeker under Chief Wer. Dur Ing tnose months he has been invaluable and sure. Chief Wier says that he knows of no officer in whom he could place more dependence.
 He lost his father only two months ago, and year ago hls brother was shot in North Birmingham.
 Leaves Wife and Daughter.
 Hamilton leaves a wife and one daush- ter, Petronella, who graduates this year from the Birmingham seminary. One oi the last spoken thoughts of the detec. tive was when he feared his accident would prevent the graduation of hs daughter. Words could not convey an idea of the hosts of greved friends who were downcast ty the news of his death. He numbered among his closest admirers every reporter on the local papers. The funeral services will be held at the Wesley Chapel Methodist church this afternoon at 3 o'clock The following fel- low policement will serve as active pail bearers. Detectives Murphy, Patton and Bodeker and Officers Nix. Devine and Mcdonald. The honorary pallbearers are D. K. Copeland. F. B. Yielding E. \ Hamil w. W. Silk. J. M. Griffin and E. J. BlackwoOd.
 The servlces will be conducted by the Masons MT. Hamilton was an active Mason, and member of the Maccabees the Knights of Pythias and several other fraternal orders. It is probable that the church will be crowded 10 overhowing with friends. The remains will be laid to rest in Elmwood cemetery.
 Orders Are Issued. The following orders have been issued:
 "It Is with sorrow and regret that l announce the death of Detective s. A. Hamilton of this department. As is well known he was shot in the afternoon ot May and passed away yesterday morn ing at 11.i5 clock at Browns infrmary. As proper mark of respect it is or dered that the officers of this depart ment wear badge of mourning for the period of thirty days. U is requested that as many officers as possible attend the funeral services this afternoon. "W. F. WEIR, Chief" "On account of the death of Detective s. A. Hamilton of the police department