Andrew J. Hamilton

HAMILTON, THOMPSON, BIRD, HARSIN, SIMONS, CRAIG

Posted By: Dave Dunston (email)
Date: 7/13/2026 at 16:29:02

GRAND OLD MAN WHO SAW SERVICE IN UNION ARMY DIES

A. J. Hamilton, Who was Left on Battle Field for Dead During Civil War Dies Here at Age of 88—Leaves 77 Descendants

In the passing of Comrade A. J. Hamilton, it can truly be said that a grand old man has been called from among us and to call him old is erroneous for despite the fact that his years numbered 88, yet he retained the cheerful optimism of youth and manifested a keen interest in all the affairs of life. He was privileged to enjoy good health which enabled him to mingle with his neighbors and friends and participate in all the activities of the community up until a few days before he was summoned to the ranks of that silent army which is marching ever on.

The news of his death came as a shock to many, as he had been ill only a few days and many had not known that he was even indisposed. The esteem in which he was held by all who knew him was evidenced by the general expression of sorrow and regret heard everywhere here on last Thursday morning when the news of his passing became known. Short funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the M. E. church here before the body was taken to the church at East Liberty, where the services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. F. Arnold of the Glenwood Methodist church. Music for the services was furnished by a male quartette consisting of Tillmon Reasoner, Clarence Day, Guy Mayberry and Harry Hamilton with Mrs. Frank Kemp at the piano. The pallbearers were all grandsons, M. C. Bird of Glenwood, G. H. Bird of Omaha, R. G. Bird of Pacific Junction, R. K. Bird of Tabor, Ray Hamilton and Donald Hamilton of Winnebago, Nebr. The body was laid to rest in the East Liberty cemetery.

Andrew J. Hamilton was born Dec. 26, 1841, at Pekin, Washington County, Indiana. He lived on a farm until he was 20 years of age when he enlisted as a recruit in Co. G, 18th Indiana Infantry. He went with the regiment to Black River, Mo., in December of that year and helped to drive General Price out of Missouri into Arkansas. In the next march the regiment went to St. Genevieve and thence to the sunny south at Millikens Bend, La.

Mr. Hamilton saw the bombardment of Grand Gulf, Miss., by the Union gun boats which was answered by the Confederate batteries. A few days later he crossed the great river at Young’s Point. He was in the battles of Magnolia Ridge, Champion Hill and Port Gibson, Miss. It was in this latter battle that he was wounded, May 1st, 1863, as his regiment was charging the enemy battery. Here he was left on the field for dead, and his case was thus reported. Later when he came to consciousness in the hospital, he heard some persons singing “Jesus Lover of my soul,” which he said was the sweetest music that he had ever heard. He was sent to several hospitals and in December, 1863, from St. Louis, was assigned to Co. G. 4th regiment veterans reserve corps. He did guard duty at a number of forts one of which was Fort Totten at Washington, D. C. Here he saw the great Abraham Lincoln and was in Washington when he was assassinated.

Because of good conduct and a clear understanding of military discipline, he was promoted to the rank of seargeant. He was honorably discharged from the service at Camp Butler, Springfield, Ill., Aug. 21, 1865, after serving 2 years, 10 months and 21 days.

Mr. Hamilton was married to Miss Samantha C. Thompson, March 19, 1865, at Moline, Rock Island County, Ill. Five children were born to this union, four of whom are living: O. M. Hamilton of Walthill, Nebr.; Mrs. J. W. Harsin of Bartlett, Nebr.; Mrs. S. C. Simons, Wakefield, Nebr and Mrs. A. R. Bird of Malvern, Iowa. Mrs. Viola Craig the deceased daughter died 36 years ago. Mrs. Hamilton, wife of the deceased, died July 13, 1924 after having lived in happy wedlock for nearly sixty years.

Mr. Hamilton leaves his four children, 22 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He and his family came to Iowa in 1868 and made their final settlement in Mills county in 1886.

Mr. Hamilton on July 13, asked his soldier friend, A. D. French to go to preaching service with him in the evening. While visiting he stated that it was exactly forty years before that he and his wife had joined the Methodist church.

He lived that type of life in which all recognized a true Christian patriot. He was ready to go on July 23 when our great Commander called. We shall miss him; for his place will be vacant, but his memory abideth.

Page 1 of Glenwood Opinion Tribune, published in Glenwood, Iowa, on Monday, July 28th, 1930

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