Macoupin County
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Biography - HENRY C. HAMILTON

Henry C. Hamilton, president of the Bank of Girard and one of the prominent citizens of Girard, Macoupin County, Illinois, was born November 13, 1851, and is one of a family of six children born to his parents, John and Rhoda (George) Hamilton, natives of Tennessee.

Mr. Hamilton is a self made man. He was reared on his father's farm, living first in Tennessee and later in Kentucky. Since he took up his residence in Girard in early manhood he has been connected with a number of the successful business enterprises of this city, and since 1889 has been president of the Bank of Girard, the oldest bank in the city, established in 1873, one of the leading financial institutions of Macoupin County, which has a paid-up capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $10,000. The cashier is J. M. Metcalf. The two officers are also the owners of the bank. Mr. Hamilton's management of the affairs of this bank has been careful and conservative and has added to his reputation as a financier.

In 1892 Mr. Hamilton was appointed by Judge Allen of the United States Court as receiver of the Girard Coal Company, which appointment he filled to the satisfaction of the court, creditors and stockholders, putting the company upon a sound financial basis and was discharged one year later. Again in 1902, the coal company having become largely involved, Mr. Hamilton was appointed receiver of the said company by Judge R. B. Shirley and held this position until July 1, 1903. During this period his management of the company was very satisfactory to all concerned and his relations with the employees of the mine very pleasant. Through his successful management of the business, the company's property was sold to a strong corporation which now owns the same, and to him perhaps a large share of the credit fori the perpetuation of the only large enterprise Girard now has is due.

On May 7, 1873, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Permelia E. England, who is a daughter of the late Samuel and Louisa C. (Smith) England. Mrs. Hamilton's grandfather, John England, was born in Virginia, removed to Tennessee, and in 1830 came as a pioneer to Illinois. The family has long been one of wealth and distinction in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have a family of seven children, namely: Maude (Littlepage), Florenc Clare, Gussie Clay (Brayton), Bertha, John, Roscoe! and Marie. The family residence is one of the most attractive in Girard and has been the scene of many social functions and much hospitality. Politically Mr. Hamilton is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason.


Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 387-388.


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