Was born in Donegal county, Ireland, December 29, 1824. His father, the late Joseph Hamilton, was also born in
Ireland, and at the age of Thirty-five was married to Miss Catherine Curry. They had a family of seven children,
of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. Mrs. Hamilton died in 1859. Her husband survived her until 1863.
David received his early education in the schools of his native country. On arriving at the age of fourteen he
was apprenticed to a merchant, and at eighteen commenced business for himself, in Londonderry, where he remained
until the age of twenty-seven, at which time he embarked for America, landing in Philadelphia, where he remained
one year, and then removed to Pike county, Illinois, locating in Griggsville, where he was employed by the firm
of Ayres & Lombard for several years. In 1859 he became infatuated with the gold excitement, prevalent at that
time, and made an overland trip with some others, with ox teams, to California. He did not remain there long, but
soon after returned by way of the Isthmus. In the spring of 1860 he engaged in merchandising, at Griggsville Landing.
Mr. Hamilton has now a fine store, with a good stock of goods, and is doing a good business for that place, and
for his gentlemanly and courteous conduct deserves a fair share of public patronage.
In June, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Margaret Cryder, whose maiden name was Hill. They had one child born to them,
whom they named Joseph Curry Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton died at their residence in May, 1868, leaving a kind husband.
Politically, Mr. Hamilton adheres to the principles advanced by the republican party. During the late war he was
a staunch supporter of the Union's cause. When many of his fellow-citizens in Pike county faltered, the subject
of this sketch remained firm to the flag of his adoption. He is now post master at Griggsville Landing.