Hamiltonw
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
WILLIAM HAMILTON is one of the
leading citizens of Chesaw, and has manifested good business ability in
his endeavors here. He is now half owner of the Chesaw Trading Company,
which is one of the leading mercantile establishments of the northern part
of Okanogan county. John E. Malter is associated with our subject
in this business and they handle a good trade. The store is in a
two-story stone structure twenty-six by seventy feet, with an addition,
and is well stocked with a choice variety of goods adapted to this region.
They carry dry goods, boots and shoes, men's furnishings, drugs, groceries
and hardware.
William Hamilton was born in Syracuse, New
York, on August 5, 1857, the son of George H. and Martha (Copeland) Hamilton,
who came to Minnesota, Olmstead county, when this son was a child.
The father served in the Civil War. Our subject grew up on a farm
and received his education in Minnesota, and when twenty-one went to Lincoln
county in the same state and there took a homestead, which was his home
until 1885, when he came to Washington. He located first in Spokane,
thence he journeyed on to Hunters, in Stevens county, and located there.
He was postmaster and did a general business. Few settlers were in
that section in those early days and he knew the life of the pioneer.
Mr. Hamilton operated a ranch there and also bought and sold cattle.
It was 1898 that Mr. Hamilton came to Meyers creek and first operated a
store at Bolster, which was the first mercantile establishment in that
town. In 1900 he came to Chesaw and bought the interest mentioned
above, and since that time has been devoting his time and energies to the
building up of the business. In addition to the property mentioned,
Mr. Hamilton has other town property in Chesaw, and is also interested
in mining propositions in this vicinity.
Fraternally Mr. Hamilton is connected with
the Eagles, the M. W. A., the Miners' Union and the I. 0. 0. F.
In 1897 Mr. Hamilton married Mrs. Sarah Eastman,
and to them three children have been born, William B., Robert V., and Mabel.