DEACON JAMES S. HAMILTON, farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Cascade; his parents were Patrick Hamilton and Elizabeth Smith; he was born Oct. 7, 1805, in Allegheny, Huntingdon Co., Penn.; he stayed at home until 24 years of age, himself and brothers carrying on the farm after the death of his father, which occurred when he was but 16 years old. He was married in his native town, Oct. 8, 1829, to Miss Mary Walker; they have had nine children, six of whom still live-Sarah E., Jane E. (now dead), William G. (now dead), Mary C., Martha A., Frances E., Abby A., Ida M and Charles W. (now dead); five children are married, and all but Mary C. live in Iowa; Abby A. is yet at home. In the spring after his marriage, he commenced farming in his native county, which he continued for ten years, and then farmed for five years in Bedford Co., Penn.; in the spring of 1845, came West with his family, and stopped that season twelve miles west of Dubuque; during May and June of that year, they lived in a covered sheep-pes, having neither door nor window, and one daughter was born there; when it rained, the little ones were sheltered under an umbrella, the clapboard roof affording poor protection; they lived mainly on potatoes and johnny-cake; the nearest grist-mill was at Canton, eighteen miles distant, and the nearest physician was at Dubuque. In the fall of 1845, he settled in Whitewater Township upon the farm which he now owns; his first house here was a log cabin 12 X 12, with a sod roof, and had only a small four-light window; he now has a comfortable house, a large barn and 200 acres of land all in good condition. He was a liberal contributor to the new railroad enterprise. In early life, he was a Congregationalist, but now he and his wife are acceptable members of the Methodist Church. He is not a member of any secret organization; politically, he is a reliable Republican. He is benevolent and public spirited, and lives peaceably with all mankind. On the 8th of October, 1879, occurred the golden wedding of this venerable couple; fully fifty of their pioneer friends gathered at the homestead with children and grandchildren on that memorable occasion; the many presents were of both intrinsic and associated value. The infirmities of age are seen upon the Deacon, but he and his energetic wife are enjoying the rewards of industry and pure living, namely, many friends, a fair competency and clear consciences.

"The History of Dubuque County" http://members.tripod.com/~Doreen_3/DBBIOAB.htm