Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 762.

THOMAS S. HAMILTON

     is one of the leading stockmen of Central Oregon and he has gained this
position through his untiring efforts since the early pioneer days of this
country. During all his labors, he has shown an energy and carefulness, coupled
with skill that could but win the smiles of Dame Fortune. At the present time,
he is living two miles south of Ashwood and in addition to handling his
extensive real estate and stock interests has a one-half interest in the
mercantile firm of Irvin & Hamilton.
     Thomas S. Hamilton was born in Clay county, Missouri, on March 10, 1850.
His father, Anderson Hale, was born in Missouri and there married Mrs. Elliott
and in 1853, brought his family across the plains. Our subject was but two years
of age when he accompanied his parents on that weary journey which ended in the
Willamette valley. The father made settlement sixteen miles south of Eugene in
Lane county. There are subject was reared and educated and in 1870 he came to
Lake county in this state and worked for wages for one winter. Then he herded
sheep near Reno, Nevada, one winter and in this way got his start. He returned
to the valley and remained during the winter of 1872 and 1873 and then came to
Summer Lake in Lake county, Oregon, and settled down on a ranch. He had forty
head of cattle and thus he began really, his career of ranching and stock
raising. In 1874 he traded his cattle for sheep and four years later came to his
present location. Since that time lie has steadily followed the business of
stock raising and farming with such splendid success that he now owns two
thousand eight hundred and forty acres of land, seventy-five hundred sheep, two
hundred head of cattle besides much other property. Twenty head of his cattle
are fine registered Short Horn animals and Mr. Hamilton has the distinction of
being the first man to introduce blooded stock in this part of the country. He
is certainly deserving of much credit for his efforts in this line for it has
resulted in very materially improving the quality of stock. As stated above, in
addition to this property, Mr. Hamilton has a half interest in the firm of Irvin
& Hamilton and is well known as a thorough, conscientious business man.
     In January, 1889, Mr. Hamilton married Lorenda Crooks, who was born in the
Willamette valley, her father being Aaron Crooks Two children have been born to
this marriage, Arena and Josephine.
     Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Eastern Star
and the Maccabees. The success that Mr. Hamilton has won in the financial and
business world, speaks volumes of the man's ability and carefulness and in
addition are a great incentive to others to strive well in the business world.
He has done a great work in opening up and building up the country and is to be
classed as one of the county builders, while he receives at the hands of his
fellows, unstinted confidence and esteem of which he is eminently worthy.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.