Hamilton
HAMILTON
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Rachel
Hamilton
(1774 - 1858)
Archibald
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(1743 - 1820)
Ninian
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(1717 - 1784)
Andrew
Hamilton
(1655 - 1719)
William
Gavin
Hamilton
(1630 - 1698)
John
Hamilton
(1603 - 1???)
James
Hamilton
(1575 - 1618)
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Archibald Hamilton II
Born: 19 Dec 1785, Lincoln County, NC
Died: April 4, 1860, Washington Cnty, INArchibald Hamilton II was born 19 Dec 1785 in Lincoln County, NC. He was the son of Archibald Hamilton (b. 1743) and Mary "Polly" Hawkins (b. 1756). Archibald II had at least ten siblings:
Name Birth Date Death Date Spouse Rachel Hamilton Abt. 1774 David Sherrill Mary Hamilton Elizabeth Hamilton Margaret Hamilton Aft. 1775 Jacob Lollar Rueben Hamilton 1776 Sarah Collier Thomas Cleophas Hamilton 01 Feb 1784 Mary Ann Taylor Ninian Bealle Hamilton 19 Feb 1789 (1) Mary Margaret Wilfong
(2) Priscilla NewtonRuanna Hamilton 06 Feb 1793 Ephraim Kale (Unknown) Hamilton (Unknown) Hamilton Archibald II married Susannah Bridges. Susannah was born 07 Dec 1787. Archibald II and Susanna had 5 children:
Name Birth Date Death Date Spouse Mary "Polly" Mahala Hamilton 21 Jun 1810 28 Feb 1905 Valentine Baker Thomas Hamilton 03 Jun 1813 30 Dec 1869 Elizabeth Hise Archibald Hamilton III 27 Apr 1818 11 Jul 1882 Rebecca Wells James Bridges Hamilton 16 Oct 1820 26 Oct 1899 (1) Elizabeth Rice
(2) Euphrasia StuckeyElisha "Lish" B. Hamilton 11 Sep 1822 13 Nov 1894 Drucilla Rice The 1810 Census shows Archibald (b. 19 Dec 1785) was living nearby his brother, Reuben Hamilton. Archibald and Susannah had only one child at the time, Mary "Polly" Mahala Hamilton. 1810 Census
Name Males Females Under 10 10 - 15 16 - 25 26 - 44 45 & Up Under 10 10 - 15 16 - 25 26 - 44 Reuben Hamilton 4 1 1 2 1 Arch Hamilton 1 1 1 The 1850 Washington County, Indiana, Census shows that Archibald (age 64) and Susannah (age 62) were living in Jackson Township. The value of Archibald's Real Estate was $1500. Their youngest son Elisha was living at the nearest farm with his wife, Drusilla, and their daughter, Mary Ellen. 1850 Census, Jackson Township, Washington County, INDIANA
Name Age Sex Occupation Real Estate
ValueBirth First Last Archibald Hamilton 64 M Farmer $1500 NC Susannah " 62 F " Elisha B. Hamilton 27 M Farmer $85 Ind. Drusilla " 27 F ?? Mary E. " 5 F Ind.
Archibald Hamilton II's move to Indiana: October 15, 1817
THE STORY OF MARY (POLLY) MAHALA HAMILTON
AS TOLD BY HER DAUGHTER, SUSAN (born 1835)(Mrs. Simeon Boss)
(written 1905, see Skelley History RHR)
I write this in memory of my mother, Polly Mahala Hamilton, who was born June 21, 1810 in North Carolina, Lincoln County. Her parents were Archibald Hamilton (II) and Susannah Bridges Hamilton. The grandfather and grandmother Bridges were born in Prince William County, Maryland. (This must be what is Prince William County, Virginia, now). He was married with a claw-hammer coat and knee-breeches, as they called them at that time. And, a ruffle shirt with fancy cuff buttons, which I still have in my possession. And I still have the bride's red cloth cloak that my mother fell heir to.
(North Carolina) Mother lived with her father and mother, in a large log house, and her brother Tommie, also. It was hewn out of pine trees. And a fine spring was nearby. She and little brother would go after water and play for hours in the white sand, barefoot. Grandfather would go to his brother Reubens, bring back a wallet (bag) of apples and they were in their glory just waiting until Grandmother could bake them half-moons in the spider on the hearth, before a roaring fire of pine knots.
They had a black cow that mired down in a swamp, had to get the neighbors to help rescue her. They would go with their father fishing in a canoe on the Catawba River, and always get plenty of fish, and they would sail along the banks and gather muscadines, a small grape, but larger than our wild grapes. Sometimes would have their canoe full of grapes and fish. They had some deer there, but not plentiful.
She went to church in private houses, and as that was a slave state, the colored folks stayed on the porch and in the yard, the white ones enjoyed the inside of the room. I am glad to say none of the Hamiltons were slave holders. (Apparently they were later - see letter dated RHR) It was something they did abhor, keeping human beings in bondage. One time she and her parents went to church at a private house, and when services were over several went out. A young girl went down the path from the house where there were a row of cucumbers - there she picked up a large one - held it behind her, and went on, when all in the house could see her. That amused Mother, small as she was. So many little incidences like that she would tell and never tire.
Grandmother Bridges would come with her knitting - walking - and Mother would lay sweet potatoes in the ashes to roast for her to eat before she started home in the afternoon. She was a very slender low woman and wore linsey and flannel in winter, cotton and flax (linen) in summer.
Mother went to school one summer there in a small log cabin with a dirt floor, in an outcast broomsage field. The older girls would break the broomsage off, tie it up and sweep the floor perfectly clean. The teacher would sing every morning, "How Tedious And Tastless The Hours", the old-time song every one that could sing must do so, and by memory. She had what she called a "First Primer" (reader) and kept it for many years.
She was very active with her needle - wanted to sew with straws, so Grandfather went with her to a country store, set her up on the counter, and had her try on thimbles - was trouble to get one small enough. He finally found one that would fit and bought two needles, also. That was a proud day for her as she went home to tell Grandmother, and she gave her a ball of cotton thread to sew with. She said she would sew for hours out in the shade of the trees.
Grandfather had a lease on his brother Reuben's farm for ten years - always said when the lease run out he would emigrate to a new country - and when it expired in 1816, great preparations were made for the move to Indiana, as they had decided on that new country.
The first thing to prepare was a stout, very strong wagon to go over the mountains. Uncle Ninian, his brother, was a first-class blacksmith (according to letter dated October 24, 1820 Ninian was just learning the smith trade. RHR) and was working at it when one night the shop caught fire and everything burned. So, they had to wait another year to have good seasoned wood to use for the wagon. They waited patiently and kept working on. Grandmother made more linsey flannel and jades as they made all their clothes then. She made many buttons with thread - Mother could make them also. She saved all kinds of garden seed to bring to the new country, also all kinds of dried herbs, and a pint of apple seed.
Well, the wagon was finished with hoops and very heavy muslin drawn over the top, with a gathering string in the back to draw it together - it sure was perfect in every detail. In the fall of October, 1817, early one morning all the neighbors came in to eat breakfast with them and bid them good-bye, and had a season of prayer before they departed for the new country. Had forgotten to mention the church denominations there - were all Methodist, Episcopal, and Baptist. The neighbors all helped load - part of them went with them until dinner time, when they ate a hasty dinner. That first day, among the number that went, was Grandmother Bridges, and when she started to turn back, Mother said there were tears in her eyes. No wonder, as three of her daughters, Grandmother, Betsy Hayden and Bridges, Nancy Litton came also, in the one wagon.
Grandfather had four horses to start with - one got foundered eating green corn on the road - could not pull much. Mother and brother Tommie would ride on him sometimes. They were over six weeks coming. Came over Paint Mountain Clinch and Cumberland Mountains. Some have changed their names since they came through the Cumberland Gap. That was such a noted place during the Civil War. Mother said they all walked quite a good many miles - said she never wanted to go over that road again. When they camped for the night the wolves would howl and the children would cover up their heads. The men would keep up fires which was said to scare them away. Grandmother would go out of the wagon and blow a trumpet, about five or six long blasts, that would quiet them most of the night. Grandpa was a great hunter - very apt with firearms - and he shot several kinds of game as they were coming.
They came to a large stream one day where there had been a log house torn down, but the fire-place and part of the chimney remained. So, they tarried there two or three days, washed and baked enough to do them several days, and rested up considerable. Someone said let the afflicted horse stand in water and they did and it helped him. They ironed their clothes, stretched them over the chair backs. A few times when they got out of grub, would stop at some cabin along the way for something, and they were always made welcome, and given all they wanted if they had it, without money or without price, especially if they were colored folks.
As they got up one mountain several wagons of travelers were along - one young man clapped his hands on his sides and crowed to the delight of the children. That much of the travel was over. In after years, Mother found out that he lived near Salem. She went to see him and talked over old times. His name was Stover, and he lived to be very old.
Many were the ups and downs they had. They did not travel on the Sabbath as they were taught by their parents it was a sacred day set aside for rest. They camped in some quiet place on Saturday night, next morning read the Bible, sang songs, had prayers by all the family. All during the day it was like an old- fashioned love feast, sure enough, that our young people know nothing of in these days.
They built fires with two flints knocked together, which made sparks on coarse tow which caught fire. Had brought their faggots of pine kindling with them. Never had seen any matches at that time. They crossed the Ohio River at a little town, called Utica, Clark County, now - on a flat boat as they did on all other large rivers. They were now in Indiana, where so long they hoped to have a home of their own. This was one year after the state had been admitted to the union. They traveled several miles, was weary, so Grandmother said, "We are here now, let us stop and hunt a home." One evening late, they came to a log cabin, and wondered if they could stop over night and rest up. They went to the nearest house, inquired who owned it, and could they stay a few days there? The good man of the house said, "Why, yes, if you can clean it out - had it full of fodder last winter - and welcome to it".
Grandfather told him they were moving and wanted to buy land the first opportunity. They all went to work, cleaned it out, and Mother said there was a very large blessed fire-place. They soon had their supper, fed their horses, tethered them out all night. Soon had their comforts and blankets on the puncheon floor, and down to sleep under the first roof they had slept under for over six weeks.
Getting rather cool by this time. Next morning Grandfather cut fodder on the shares for his horses. Grandmother pulled turnips on the shares, and Mother and Tommie piled them and cut off the tops. She kept on and pulled them all, and the woman gave her two hens for her work, and the children were surely pleased, called them their pets, and thought Indiana a fine place. Those people's name was Sellers, as were those of several of the neighbors - I suppose that is where Sellersburg got it's name.
Grandmother's sisters, Betsy and Bridges, Nancy, went farther on, in what is known now as Spencer County, Indiana. Grandfathers stayed there several days. He helped all the neighbors work at various things, and sent the news out that he wanted to buy land. One day a strange man rode up, said he wanted to see the man what wanted to buy land. Said he wanted to sell his, as he had moved his family from Kentucky and found out he could not keep slaves here, as this was not a slave state, and his women folks would not stay in Indiana on that account. Grandpa got on his horse, went with the man several miles, ten or twelve. The first thing he asked, was there good water? - the man said the best of water. They walked all over it - Grandfather thought it very good land, but not much cleared up. There was a log cabin with a very large fire-place, large rock hearth, puncheon floor, and under that a little cellar, with Irish potatoes, and he said there was some not dug yet, and he could have all of them as his family were already gone. Grandfather said he would take it, but I never did know what price he paid. There were also, two log stables for his four horses.
He returned, said to Grandmother he had bought land. He said to the man he could not pay him anything on the land until he collected his sale bills from North Carolina the next summer. The man said that was all right and returned to Kentucky, not a line drawn to bind the bargain. Just think how people trusted one another them days. They made ready to move down home, as they called it.
Horses harnessed to the covered wagon, which had not been unloaded yet, only things they needed to use - some fodder and corn thrown in, turnips, and two hens to the children's delight, were made ready.
Polly and Hamilton, Tommie got down here just a few days before Christmas and snow was on the ground, but there was nothing Polly and Tommie could do, even before they were unpacked, but go see that nice spring between two rocks. Mother had her little tin cup in her hand, and they both drank heartily of the good water of the spring that was to be theirs for many many years. They went back to the house where Grandfather had built a heaping log fire, and they were soon warm, although Grandmother had her feet badly frozen, but soaked them in strong salt water several nights, which entirely cured them.
Grandfather went in a few days to the nearest neighbor, a Mr. Knotts that lived northwest of what is now Clyde Martin's spring, to have him help unload the wagon. There was a large chest, very heavy with pewter dishes. They used more of them in those days as Queensware was very hard to get. I have the old chest, and one pewter dish yet in my possession. Will keep them while I live. Mr. Knotts then invited them to eat Christmas dinner with them - they went - and the Knotts had butchered and had a side of ribs hung before the fire-place. It would turn around and roast - a pan was set underneath to catch the grease. Mother said it was just fine, when they ate that up another side of ribs was roasted in the same way. Had potatoes and cabbage, and wheat biscuits - they had not eaten any for some time - been eating corn dodgers. Mother said she would nip off a little at a time so it would last longer - and they also had maple syrup. Said they talked about that Christmas dinner for years, and even after they were grown.
Later they made their own maple syrup - was all the sweetening they had for years. Did not often see sugar as it was so costly. Grandfather and Grandmother worked out and cleared up fields, and burned brush all day, then at night would sew, mend and knit. Soon got sheep and made all the clothes they wore, both Sunday and every day clothes also.
As spring came on Grandpa was troubled how he could get corn to feed his four horses so they would be able to plow. Inquired around, no corn to be had about here, then someone told him there was some to sell down in the Grant (now Harrison County). Well, he did not have the money and he must not go in debt - he was then told of a man by the name of Wyman who would loan him the money. he said no, I am a stranger here, and he would not trust me. They said, yes, he has helped many new comers. He felt forced to go and ask the favor, and Mr. Wyman said, I certainly favor you with all the money you need, which was a God-send to Grandfather in a strange land. Then he said, do you want the money or corn after I raise it in the fall - just suit yourself. I have plenty - do not need it - just take your time. I always help them that try to help themselves. Ever after they were fast friends. Some of his descendants are here yet.
These grandparents sowed flax seed to make part of their clothing, and one summer Lorenzo Dow, that noted preacher that traveled everywhere, was to preach at Salem. They all wanted to go, but the flax was ripe and ready to pull, and Grandpa said that must be done first. They all pulled, the day before and until about ten o'clock at night, and Polly and Hamilton, Tommie were so tired, but all right next morning. Part of the neighbors went, in the big farm wagon that had crossed the mountains, with the family. They had a platform with a table on it, and a chair on that, he would sit awhile and stand awhile and hold on to the brake lines. Mother was always impressed with his looks - hair hung over his shoulders, and he had such long eyebrows. If he bought a new suit, he always gave it to someone that needed it worse - never wanted much, said he was always working for God and he gave him all he needed.
Uncle Tommie would lie on the floor and cry for apples and sweet potatoes - they had so many in the old North State, so long before sweet potatoes did well - ground so new - too much shade, all grew vines. They just split the potato in the hill and it would take some time for it to sprout. But, they finally got so they could raise fine ones. Grandmother would split one, lay it in the oven by the side of corn dodger, put the lid on, cover with coals, and never take the lid off until she was ready to eat. And, the big stew kettle hanging on the crane over the fire with meat, beans, cabbage or whatever she wanted for dinner. Them the milk and butter - all fit for a king, and no complaints about the victuals after working out in the fresh air from four o'clock in the morning until the going down of the sun in the western horizon.Archibald II died 04 Apr 1860. Obituary (Note: As has already been stated, no letter has been found at this time (1962) that was written by Archibald Hamilton, son of Archibald Hamilton and Polly (Hawkins) Hamilton. However, Mrs. Carl Gaston (Margaret Hamilton), Kell, Illinois has in her possession his obituary, as it appeared in the "Religious Telescope", Dayton, Ohio, August 1, 1860 - written by L. S. Chittenden. a copy follows: MS)
Archibald Hamilton was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, December 19, 1785 and emigrated to Indiana in 1817. He professed faith in Christ as a sin pardoning Savior in 1821, and joined the U. B. Church under the labors of Reverend Jacob Antrim (or Autrice), the first Brethren minister that ever traveled in that part of the state.
He died April 4, 1860, aged 74 years, 3 months, 15 days. Father Hamilton has long stood as a faithful member of the church, in the same place where he joined. No complaint was ever brought against him by his class, if my information be correct. His manner was rather retiring, doing more in honor of Christianity by example than by words, for they were few, but usually to the purpose.
The writer remembers well an inexperienced youth in the ministry, that this esteemed father and his now bereaved but godly companion, received him into their home and advised and aided him in his weakness in his duties as a minister. Not only they but others in the same class did the same. How we love to cherish such in our memories.
Father Hamilton battled nearly 40 years in this warfare, his life and manner having a remarkable sameness. But he is gone. He died in peace, as might have been expected from the way he lived. He was calm, peaceful, and full of hope. His faith was unwavering. He often felt so ecstatic that he would praise God with shouts of gladness, giving his dying charge to friends left behind. A companion of his youth and his riper years shared largely of his words of comfort and advice and exhortation. After taking his dying leave of them all, he had a season of very pleasant tranquility.
Death had lost it's sting. Heaven seemed nearer than ever before, and his soul was joyous and ready to exchange earth for heaven.
Thus passed away one of the first fathers of our church in Indiana, and we say, peace to his ashes - peace to his memory. His funeral services were subsequently attended to by the writer, and the multitude that honored his memory with their presence at his funeral evinced the high regard and esteem they had for him as a Christian and citizen.Susannah died 27 Oct 1862. Thanks to Richard Roberts for the additional information on the Hamilton Family as well as the Hamilton Letters rob95536@yahoo.com
If you have additional photos or information on the Hamilton Family, please contact me.
