"Portrait and Biographical Record of Portland and Vicinity, Oregon." Authors: "a
compilation of this work....by a number of writers".  Chapman Publishing Co;
Chicago, 1903. p. 847.
 
FREDERICK E. HAMILTON

     That Oregon is one of the garden spots of the west cannot be denied, its
salubrious climate and other natural advantages tending to make it such. The
fame of its wonderful possibilities spread far and wide, for in the early days
newcomers from all parts of the Union made their day here in the most laborious
manner. One of the number to wend their way to Oregon in the early '5os was
George Hamilton.  He was born near Terre Haute, Ind., in March, 1827, and was
there reared upon a farm, receiving practical instruction of great value to him.
His marriage in 1848 united him with Elizabeth Van Duyn, and in 1851 they
started on the wearisome and perilous journey across the plains. Ox-teams were
employed as a means of transit, and that it was a slow process is evident when
it is said they were six months in reaching The Dalles.  From that point to the
mouth of Sandy river they came on flat boats, and here they resided temporarily
or until Mr. Hamilton purchased a farm of his own, which comprised three hundred
and twenty acres of land in Multnomah county. It was formerly owned by John
Mills, who had built a log cabin upon it, but Mr. Hamilton later improved
the farm and built a more modern house to take the place of the log building, it
being in close proximity to the house in which his son now resides. One hundred
and thirty acres of the land is rich bottom land. After Mr. Hamilton had lived
to reap some of the benefits of his labors he passed to his reward, dying
September 12, 1868 in the old family home in which he had passed so many happy
hours.  His influence and advice were felt in school matters, to which he gave
much of his attention while serving on the school board.  Mrs. Elizabeth
Hamilton was born in Terre Haute, Ind., in May, 1833. and passed away August 18,
1887. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton became the parents of eight children, of whom Laura
became the wife of Elisha Carter; Clara, deceased, married George Riley; John is
deceased ; James resides in Palmer; Frederick is next in order of birth; George
M. is deceased; Minnie is the wife of Henry Schmeer, of East Portland; and Emma
married C. F. Ruppell, of Portland. The mother died at the age of fifty-six
years, leaving a tender memory in the hearts of her children.
     On the old family homestead in Multnomah county Frederick E. Hamilton was
born February 23, 1858.  He received an education in the district school and
remained at home assisting in the work of the farm until twenty-eight years of
age, when he left home to try new fields of work. After engaging in the grocery
business in Portland for one year he returned and purchased the old homestead.
Six years later, however, he again interested himself in the grocery business in
Portland and two years later he embarked in the lumber business. After following
this for two years he again returned home, and has since that time been
successfully engaged in general farming and dairying, having forty-five milch
cows. In 1884 he married Miss Nora Coyn, and they have one son, named Harry E.
 Politically Mr. Hamilton is a Republican.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in December 2008 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.