The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-02-25
HAMILTON, OLD
time LEADER IN
POLITICS, DIES
Grand Forks Man Was
Chief Clerk Of Constitu-
tional Convention

Grand Forks, N. D., Feb. u.s.
After a long illness. Major John G
Hamilton died Saturday, and with
him passed from the stage Of life's
activities one Of the most widely
known pioneers Of the Dakota ter
ritory, and one who has been init
mately connected with the affairs OF
| the state of North Dakota.
Major Hamilton was born october
| %, 1916 ait Warrens Point, County
Down, Ireland, his parents being
James and Jane (Doran) Hamilton,
natives Of Scotland and Ireland, re-
spectively.
Major Hamilton was educated in
the public schools of New York and
at Oberlin college, Ohio. from which
place he was graduated in 1857 with
the B. of A. degree. the Masters de-
gree being conferred upon him in
1870. Following his graduation he
went to Louisville, KY, where he en-
gagged in teaching, being principal Of
one Of the schools, and later he be-
came principal of the city schools of
Lexington, KY, where he resided I'M
til 1873. He carried on his law
studies while engaged in educational
work, and was graduated from the
law department of the University OF
Kentucky in 1872. In 1875 he was
appointed United States Indian
agent at the Sisseton indian agency,
then in the territory OF Dakota, now
south Dakota, which position he
held for three years. In 1878 he took
I'm his permanent abode in Grand
Forks. opening an office for the
practice of law and continuing the
practice of his profession until 1SOO
when he went to Washington as an
officer of the senate and remained
there until June, 1918, when he re-
turned to North Dakota. Since De
fore his return to North Dakota his
health has been failing and for the
mast wear, or more, he has been
practically confined to the house.
Active in School Matters.
Tn the early days of Grand Forks
Arajor Hamilton was for four years
nresident of the board of education
and had much to do with the estaD-
Hshment Of the school system OF TINS
eity. He also served as city attorney
in the earlier years OF the CITY,
resigning the position because OF
rresg of other business. In 1882 ne
was appointed states attorney OF
This county and later was twice
elected to the office, and served the
Ave wears with distinction and non
or He served as assistant CHIEF
clerk of the house in the territorial
legislature and chief clerk or the
Ti1.st Second and Third legislature
nc was also chief clerk of the con-
sfitutfonaI convention that franco
the constitution of this state ana
chairman Of the compilation com
mission appointed by Gov. AnoreW
ri burke i'm 1891 to compile. CLASSIFY
and arrange the codes OF North "a
kota. He was also a MEMBER OF tite
commission authorized by the legls-
1sture ~ 1899 to revise and annotate
Ana code. much Of the annexation
being done by him.
AI,ysva interested in Public Work.
He was at all times engaged in all
public affairs and no work was eEeL
too great for him TO uiloeFtahe u AoL
the welfare of the city, county or
state In notifies he was an UNI
sveryinr Republican. He was un-
o,estionabIy the most thoroughly
yseread man in the state Of North
Dakota i'm all political and pubic
matters affecting the state and ma
Major Hamilton leaves surviving
him his wife, who as Melissa La
Vayea. he married at leYeland, Olilo'
n 1871. His daughter, Helen NJ
member OF the law firm OF bans s,s, |
Bangs and prominently
connected with Red Cross work in |
tbis state. and his son. Lieutenant = /
Al Hamilton, a veteran Of the. Phil
ippine war who also saw service on
he Mexican border and Is now IN
active service Somewhere IN
France"
Fraternally Major Hamilton was
connected with the knights or
Pythias and the Elks. lie mas leLt
his irnprint upon the state. His con-
nection with public life has done
much to shape the history, establish
the policy and point the destiny OF
the commonwealth.
Funeral services were held az the 4
family residence this afternoon.
rrvnu.wv r,nausunEa mOwn ISSUE