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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