Sacramento County
Biographies
WILLIAM H. HAMILTON
WILLIAM
H. HAMILTON, although a resident here but a comparatively short time, having
come only in 1879, has already attained a leading position among the architects
of the Pacific Coast, by skill, talents and attainments, as is evidenced by the
elegant, tasteful and appropriate structures which has been erected from his
plans and under his directions. It should be stated, however, that he did not
come to the coast as a new man, but as one having already wide experience and
an established reputation which followed him from his Eastern home. Mr.
Hamilton is a native of Virginia, where he was born September 4, 1838, the son
of James and Mary A. (Morrow) Hamilton. His mother is a native of Glasgow,
Scotland, but came to this country when very young. She is still living at
Washington, District of Columbia, hearty and in good health. His father was a
native of Virginia. He died in 1838. Soon after this event the widowed mother
removed to Philadelphia, taking her young family with her. In that city young
Hamilton received his scholastic education, and began the study of medicine.
One term of this pursuit, however, decided him that it was not his vocation,
and he was drawn by natural aptitude and a taste in that direction to enter the
office of S. D. Britton, one of the most prominent architects in the country.
Here he remained for four or five years. After fitting himself for his
profession, he went to Washington, just at the time of the outbreak of the war
of the Rebellion. He entered the army and was instrumental in raising one of
the first volunteer companies for the defense of the Government, drawing
largely upon his own means for this purpose, and making many sacrifices. After
the conclusion of the war he returned to Philadelphia and resumed his
professional working, designing many fine buildings in that city and vicinity.
His health had become seriously impaired, however, during the war, and he was obliged to seek change of scene. Accordingly, he
went to Utica, New York, and remained in that State for twelve or thirteen
years, designing many of the finest buildings throughout Central New York, and
being kept busily occupied by the calls upon his powers. Among his works may be
mentioned the fine Opera House in Utica, an arcade of thirty-two stores, two
large halls, and other erections. Owing to ill-health in his family, however,
Mr. Hamilton was led, in 1879, to remove to California. His first work was the
handsome Hall of Records in Sacramento, since the construction of which building
he has had his office and headquarters in the Capital City, although his
business extends throughout the State. He has made an especially careful and
exhaustive study of the subject of ventilation, being regarded as an authority
in the matter, and has frequently been invited to address large audiences upon
the subject, as well as delegations appointed to call upon him and obtain his
views. Mr. Hamilton was married in 1867 to Miss Frances E. Bailey, a native of
the State of New York. They have one son, named R. Morrow Hamilton.
Transcribed by Vicky
Walker, 12/07/07.
Source: Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated
History of Sacramento County, California. Pages 783-784.
Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.
© 2007 Vicky Walker.