Mini Bios of People of Scots Descent
George J. Hamilton Biography

GEORGE J. HAMILTON, engaged in the general merchandise business in the town of Mellette, was born in Brownhelm, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 25th of August, 1860, and is a son of Alexander Hamilton, who was born and reared in Edinburg, Scotland, whence he came to America in 1855, settling in Ohio, where he was engaged as overseer in a quarry for a number of years. In 1863 he removed with his family to Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, remaining there until 1885, when he joined the subject in South Dakota, where he afterward maintained his home, being engaged in farming in Spink county. He died in 1895. The subject of this review was reared on the home farm in Vernon county, Wisconsin, where he availed himself of the advantages of the public schools. He continued to be there engaged in farming until 1882, when he came to what is now the state of South Dakota, arriving in March and taking up his location in Spink county, where he took up government land, thirteen miles southeast of the village of Mellette, being there actively engaged in farming and stock growing until 1896, while he still retains possession of his homestead, which he has developed into one of the valuable ranches of this favored section of the state. In the autumn of the year last noted he removed to Mellette, where he was engaged in the livery and draying business until 1899, when he disposed of his interests in these lines and associated himself with his younger brother, Walter, in the general merchandise business here. They have since successfully continued operations, under the firm name of Hamilton Brothers, and have a well-appointed store and one in which is carried a select and comprehensive stock in each of the several departments, while both of the interested principals are held in uniform confidence and esteem in the community. The subject has been incumbent of various township offices and is at the present time chairman of the board of education in his home town. In politics his franchise is exercised in support of the Populist party and fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. 

On the 6th of November, 1889, Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Fannie Cloyd, who was born in Illinois, whence she came with her parents to South Dakota in 1884. Of this union has been born one child, Hazel.