The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-09-18

school he attended a college prepara-
tory school taught by Professor Jami-
son, also located here, going from
there to Monmouth college, Mon
mouth, Illinois. In his senior year
It was found necessary for him to
return home to enter the wholesale
mouse OF S. Hamill Co., as Junior
partner, OF which his father, Smith
Hamllf was president. When the
elder Hamill died in 1890. the dece-
dent succeeded to the presidency Of
the 5. Hamill company, Wholesale
grocers, and had been connected with
the firm in that capacity until the
time Of his death
Thls house has ranked among the
foremost business establishments in
the city and is one of the best known
wholesale grocery houses in the coun-
try 1t has largely attained this envi-
able position through the manage
ment of it's late, president Although
in his seventy-third year, until within
q few weeks of his death, Major
Hamill seldom missed day at his
desk in the Office and remained active
In commercial and business affairs.
He had proved himself always a far
sighted, sagacious, enterprising and
determined business man. While he
had attained tc individual success,
he has ever been lconsiderate Of the
interests of others.
Enlists In Army.
In the year 1864. when he was
twenty-one years of age, Major
Hamill offered his services to his
country, enlisting in Company c.,
Forty-fifth Iowa volunteer infantry.
He was mustered into the service as
first lieutenant and during most of
the time Of HIS enlistment was active
captain OF his company, continuing as
such until honorably discharged.
Later he was commissioned major of
the Iowa state guard.
His marriage to Miss Louise Sulli-
van of Evansville. Ind, occurred in
the year June 1, 1870.
She survives with a son and a
daughter, Smith Hamill and Mrs.
louise Hamill Dysart, both of this
city. Another daughter, Mrs. Emily
Hamill Fry. wife Of DR.. Frank r. Fry
of st. Louis, died several months ago.
There are also three sisters and a
Va othCl 1Ml COaA 1oluCCS MOAS-
gomery, Alabama; Mrs. Albert Nc
l.. A. Hamill of this city. The grand
children are David, Paul and Edith
Dysart and Emma Louise Hamill Of
Keokuk and Elizabeth Vale Fry Of
ST. Louis.
Prominent Churchman.
Major Hamjll was prominent
member of the Westminster Pres
byterian church. In early life he was
affiliated with the United Presbyterian
church, but at the time of his mar
riage united with Westminster. The
decedent has always been active in
church work and has served in many
important offices.
He was elected deacon in Janu-
until he was chosen as an elder on
March 20, 1905. He was superinten-
dent of the Westminster Sunday
school for over decade and was for
many years teacher. At the time
of his death he was member of sew
.eral important committees of the
church.
Major Hamill was a great Bible
student and In his life the church
held primary place. He was always
a loyal and true christian and faith
full to church duty. He put nothing
higher in his life than his religion
and today his friends honor him as
one who has fought the fight and
kept the faith In all the years of his
life.
Member Of Many Orders.
The decedent was member of the
Grand Army Of the Republic and also
of the Loyal Legion and Sons Of the
American Revolution, being vice pres
ident OF Lexington chapter Of the
latter. His ancestors were of sturdy
Pennsylvania and Maryland Scotch
stock who responded to their coun-
try's call when needed. From them
he inherited his patriotism and inter-
est in military affairs.
He was also the president of the
newly founded KeOkuk Security
league and took an active part in its
organization. More recently he was
chairman of the committee appointed
to plan for an aTmory for Company l.
and in this capacity gave great deal
of valuable help and advice to the
body.
Major Hamill was also connected
with many other local organizations
and could always be counted upon to
assist in any movement for the bet
terment of Kcokuk. He was one of
the hackers and supporters of the
Monday Music club and belonged to
the Keokuk Civic league and organi-
cations of a similar character.
The funeral announcements will be
made later.
Extensive.