Omaha daily bee., 1919-10-12
HEART DISEASE.
CAUSES DEATH
OF Fl. HAMILTON
Prominent Omaha Capitalist
!. SuCcumbs in Berth on
: Train While on a
Hunting Trip.

tContinued From Page OneJ
president Of the Omaha and Coun-
Gil Bluffs Street Railway company,
however, he was forced to return
and confer with employees, who had
made demands for more pay and
threatened to strike unless the de-
mands were met.
Through his efforts a strike was
averted, but worry over the critical
situation may have weakened his
condition, it is said.
Member Pioneer Family.
Mr.. Hamilton was a member of
one of the oldest pioneer families of
the city. He has been closely al
filiated with the interests of the city
since he left college, approximately
81 years ago.
He was born December Is, 1861,
in Omaha, reared and educated here,
with the exception OF four years,
when he attended Georgetown uni
versity at Washington, D. c. He
gained his first training in financial
matters from his father, the late
Charles w. Hamilton, who was pres
ident Of the United States National
bank. He was nephew of the late
Frank Murphy, formerly president
of the street railway company and
head of the Merchants National
bank.
In spite Of his good financial con-
nections Mr.. Hamilton began his
business career as a bookkeeper in
the Merchants National bank when
he left the university in 1882. He
was gradually promoted as his abil-
ity increased, until he reached one
OF the most important positions in
the bank.
Business Head of Family.
Although one of five children, he
was always regarded the business
head of the family. His home life
had always been of happy nature.
Mr.. Hamilton's family dates back
among the earliest in the history of
Nebraska. His aunt was married to
the first territorial governor, T. B.
Cunning. His mother and father
were married in Omaha; the latter
during the SOS founded the banking
firm of Caldwell, Hamilton & Co.,
now the Merchants National bank.
His uncle, Frank Murphy, died IS
years ago, leaving fortune of sew
eral millions to be divided among
Mr.. Hamilton and his brothers and
sisters.
Mr.. Hamilton was a devoted
member Of the Catholic church.
Fifth President of Car Co.
Mr.. Hamilton succeeded Gurdon
w. Wattles as president of the
Omaha & Council Bluffs Street
Railway company on March 4, 1919.
He was the fifth president of the
traction company, the first being w.
w. Marsh; the second, Frank Muir
ply, who died suddenly in New
York; the third, Guy c. Barton, and
the fourth, Gurdon Wattles.
Mr.. Hamilton was chosen as
head OF the gas company about 10
years ago, and short time later
yice-president of the Merchants Ma
tional bank.
Mr.. Wattles was a close friend
OF Mr.. Hamilton and expressed
great sorrow when told Of the lat
ter's death. ~ have never worked
with q man who had more admir-
able qualities than he," declared
Mr.. Wattles. "He was man of a
happy home. I remember when he
was married to Countess DeCistue,
IL years ago this fall"
Grieved at His Death.
F. A. Brogan, an attorney.
schoolmate and personal friend of
Mr.. Hamilton, also expressed grief
when he heard of his death.
she was a man of very strong
character and possessed the sub
stantial virtues of good citizen"
said Mr.. Brogan. although he did
not make many close personal
friends, those who knew him we'll
valued his friendship highly"
Mr.. Brogan attended Georgetown
university at the same time as Mr..
Hamilton. "Mr. Hamilton was just
a regular college man." Mr.. Brogan
said, mot too studious and still in
,erested in his work. He made.
many close friends at college"
DR.. w. O. Bridges, Mr.. Hamilton's
personal physician, said he had not
examined Mr.. Hamilton for some
time. II saw him on the street q
day OF so ago, however" said DR..
Bridges, "and he seemed quite well
At that time"
His Close Acquaintance.
A. J. Love, Frank Johnson, A. P.
Guile, Charles L. Saunders, w. A.
Fraser, E. NJ. Fairfield and L. S.
Crofoot were numbered among Mr..
Hamilton's close acquaintances. LII
Their Drake. president of the Mer-
chants National bank, was also a
close friend. He is in New York, but
is expected to return at once for the
funeral services.
Fred P. Hamilton was at Cody.
Neb., on a hunting trip when word
of his brothers death reached
Omaha. Word was sent him imme-
diately.
The body arrived in Omaha from
North Platte last night and was
taken to the Hoffman funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have not been
completed.