From: Smith, James H., 1880, History of Chenango and Madison Counties, New York. D. Mason & Co.. Syracuse, NY

Facing Page 645

The original text includes and illustration of David and Mary Hamilton
 

        David Hamilton was born in Blandford, Hampden county, MA, April 8, 1777.  He was a son of Capt. David and Mary (Knox) Hamilton, who were also natives of MA.  David came in to that portion of the town of Cazenovia that is now included in the town of Nelson, in 1802, and bought, in company with his brother-in-law, William Knox, the farm on which he lived several years, on lot 70.  his early education was limited, being such as was to be obtained in the common schools of the town in which his parents lived.  He worked on his father's farm until he attained his majority, and then worked at various occupations until he came to Madison county.
        When he was twenty-one he married Mary Knox, daughter of John and Jenny (Campbell) Knox, of Blandford, MA.  She was born July 16, 1782.
        David and Mary Hamilton has eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, viz: Monisna, born May 22, 1799, still living; Percia, born May 10, 1803, died in infancy; Sally, born July 1, 1805, died in September, 1812; Leverett, born April 16, 1807, married Roxana Lucus, April, 1836, died March 29, 1850; Betsey E, born June 18, 1809, married David Wellington, February, 1830; Almond D., born December 23, 1811, died March 1, 1813; David A., born January 16, 1814, married Lucy Chaphe, September, 1839; Sarah L., born April 2, 1816, married Lovander (Lovader) Lucas, January, 1839, died March 6, 1840; Marcia R., born September 24, 1818; Samuel W., born January 20, 1821, married Elizabeth Morrow, January, 1852; and Mary J., born May 26, 1823.
        David, after his settlement here, following farming until within a few years of his death, which occurred October 28, 1858.  His wife died July 9, 1860.
        He was a Democrat, and took great interest in the success of his party.  He was an upright, conscientious man, and had the respect of his townsmen, and was highly esteemed by all whose good fortune it was to know him intimately.  In all his dealings with his fellow men he was just and honorable.
        He belonged to no religious denomination, but was an attendant of the Universalist church in Erieville.
        His funeral services were held at his former home, and were conducted by a Baptist clergyman.  His wife was a Presbyterian.  She was a devoted wife and an affectionate mother.  The town of Nelson lost, in the death of this venerable couple, two of its most useful and honorable citizens, and their memory is revered by a large circle of acquaintances and a fond family.