Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-02-23
y. G. HAMILTON
PASSED AWAY
I this MORNING
Was Widely Known Pioneer
Of Dakota Territory
Lived Here 40 Years.

After a long illness, Major John G..
Hamilton died this morning shortly
after 9so'clock, and with him passed
from the stage OF life's activities one
of the most widely known pioneers of
the Dakota territory, and II who a
been intimately connected with the
affairs Of the state Of North Dakota.
Major Hamilton was born October
70, .1S46 at 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 II
at Oberlin College, Ohio, from which
place he was graduated in 1861 with
the r. 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 i'll teaching, being principal of
one of the schools, and later he be-
came principal of the city schools of
Lexington. KY, where he resided until
1873. He carried OF his law studies
while engaged in educational work.
and was graduated from the aw de-
partment of the University of Ken
tucky in 1872. In 1875 he was APP
pointed United States Indian agent at
the Sissetrn Indian agency, then in
the territory of Dakota, now South
Dakota, which position he held for
three years. In 1873 he took up his
permanent abode in Grand Forks,
opening an office for the practice of
law INC continuing the practice of his
profession until 1900 when he went
to Washington as an officer of the
senate and remained there until June.
1913, when he returned to North Da-
kota. Since before his return to
North Dakota his health has been
failing and for the past year. or more,
he has been practically confined to
the house.
Active i'm School Matters.
In the early days of Grand Forks
Major Hamilton was for -four years
president Of h Board of Education.
and had much to do with h estab-
lishment of the school system Of this
city. He also served as city attorney
in the, earlier years of the city, resign
ing the position because of press OF
other business. In 1892 he was APP
pointed states attorney OF this county
and later was twice elected to the
office, and served the five years with
distinction INC honor. He served as
assistant chief clerk Of the house in
the territorial Legislature ard thief
clerk of the First. Second and Third
legislature. He was also chief clerk
Of the constitutional convention that
framed the constitution of this state
and chairman of the compilation COM
mission appointed by Gov. Andrew H,
Burke in 1891 to compile, classify and
arrange the codes Of North Dakota
He was also a member of the COM
mission authorized by the legislature
OF 1898 to revise and annotate the
code. much Of the annexation being
done by him.
Always Interested in Public Work.
He was at all time engaged in all
public affairs and no work was ever
too great for him to undertake If for
the welfare of the city, county OF
state. In politics he was an unswerv.
ing Republican. He was unquestion'
ably the most thoroughly versed mai
In the state of North Dakota in al
political anad public matters affecting
the state anad nation.
Major Hamilton leaves surviving
him his wife,, who as Melissa La.
vayea he married at Cleveland. Ohio
in 1871. His daughter, Helen N.
member of the law firm of Bangs
Hamilton & Bangs and prominently
connected with Red Cross work in this
state, and his son, Lieutenant II. II
Hamilton, a veteran Of the Philippine
war who also saw service on the
Mexican border and is now in active
service Somewhere in France"
F~raternally Major Hamilton wa:
connected with the knights of Pythia:
and the Elks. He has left his imprin
upon the state. His connection will
public life having done much to shape
the history. establish the policy ant
point the destiny of the common
wealth.
4 Funeral services will be held at thu
family residence 625 South Thirt
street at $3.50 O'Clock Monday after
man Eahr11arv Dc