ALEXANDER P. HAMILTON, the present popular and efficient Supervisor of Somerset Township, and one of Jackson County's most influential citizens, was born in Clarke County, Va., June 23, 1844. The Hamilton family, tradition says, originated in England, whence three brothers of that name emigrated to America prior to the Revolutionary War, one of whom settled in New York, another in South Carolina, and the third in Virginia. Our subject is a descendant of the Virginia branch of the family, and his ancestors for several generations were prominent in the history of the Old Dominion. His maternal grandfather, John Blake, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his progenitors on both sides have been men of lofty patriotism and undaunted courage.
In company with his parents, Whiting and Nancy (Blake) Hamilton, our subject in 1859 left the old Virginia home and started westward. From Charlestown to Parkersburg, W. Va., the family traveled by rail over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; they then proceeded by boat to Cairo, Ill., from there went by rail to DuQuoin and thence journeyed to Franklin County, this state, which at that time had comparatively few residents and was only partly improved. Upon a farm there Alexander P. grew to a sturdy manhood, meantime becoming familiar with agriculture, which has since been his chosen occupation. His education was meagre, being limited to a brief attendance at the district schools of pioneer days, but he has been a thoughtful reader and a close observer, and consequently is well informed.
November 18, 1869, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte L. Snider, who was born in Franklin County, Ill., March 1, 1852, being the daughter of Isaac and Electa (Taylor) Snider, early settlers of that county. They are the parents of eight living children, of whom the eldest, Etta, is a successful teacher in the public schools of Murphysboro; James is a student in the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind.; Maggie, Lottie, Ella, Joseph, Lula and John Ralph reside with their parents.
Shortly after his marriage Mr. Hamilton came to Jackson County and settled in Somerset Township, where he has since resided on section 33, except a few years spent in Murphysboro, Ill. He has ever been prominent in the promotion of the best interests of the people, and is now serving his second term as Supervisor of Somerset Township. In his political belief he is a Democrat, and while not active in his partisanship, he may always be relied upon to discharge his duties as a public-spirited and progressive citizen. He enjoys the confidence of his large circle of acquaintances and the esteem of those who for years have been his associates in business and social circles.
Extracted 22 Feb 2017 by Norma Hass from 1894 Biographical Review of Jackson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, page 514.