James David Hamilton

Birth Name James David Hamilton
Gender male
Age at Death 62 years, 2 months, 15 days

Narrative

James D. Hamilton was born in Cape May, New Jersey, November 10, 1818. The 1880 Census says that his parents were born there as well, but it also says that he was born in Pennsylvania, which was not the case. In 1850 he called his birthplace "Cape Island." What is now the city of Cape May, New Jersey, was called Cape Island until 1869. (Source: His obituary and 1880 United States Census, 3rd Ward, Johnstown, Cambria, Pennsylvania, Series T9, Roll 1110, Page 40, ED 182, sheet 14)

At about the age of 16, James was apprenticed to a carpenter in Philadelphia. The agreement called for him to remain for six years, nine months, and fifteen days. However just before reaching "his majority" [more research: was this age 21?], he left because of the way he was treated. He went first to Hollidaysburg, and then to Pittsburgh, where he took work on a steamboat headed for New Orleans. He stayed with riverboat life until 1840, when he left to travel with a circus through the South for about a year. After this he moved back to Pennsylvania and settled in Cambria County. (All from obituary.)

When he returned to Pennsylvania, James settled at "Plane No. 2, on the line of the old Portage Railroad," and worked as a barkeeper for Gideon Marlett, a hotel keeper.(Obituary.) Later, on May 20, 1857, the Democrat and Sentinel of Ebensburg would carry a public notice that a petition for a tavern license was filed by Gideon Marlett, of Summerhill Township. (Extracted and contributed by Lisa Baker, at http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacambri/news/1857DS.html.)

About 1845 he and Mary Ann were married. In 1850, they were living in Summerhill Township and James was a carpenter. (1850 Federal Census, PA, Cambria Summerhill Twp Series M432, Roll 761, Page 97)

Between 1850 and 1860, possibly about 1853, James and Mary Ann and family moved to Wilmore. His obituary said that he kept a tavern at Wilmore for eleven years, and lived private for two before moving to Johnstown in the spring of 1867.

In 1860 James was the landlord of a public boarding house in Wilmore Borough. The dwellers included a Matilda Crum, 18, employed as a domestic, and a Joseph Knepper, 23, a laborer, who are probably relatives of his wife. (1860 Federal Census, PA, Cambria County, Wilmore Boro Series M653, Roll 1088, Page 582, HeritageQuestOnline.com, Line 32, ff.)

---------------
From Division 8, Collection District 17, State of Pennsylvania, Annual Assessment, 1864
James D Hamlton, Wilmore Hotel 8th Class. Rate: 5$
James D Hamlton, Wilmore retail liquor dealer. Rate: 20$
Source: U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists, 1862-1918, ancestry.com
----------------

While in Wilmore he also had an interest in a line of hacks between Wilmore and Ebensburg. (Obituary.)

In 1863, James served in Company B of the Independent Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, along with his son and Daniel Morris Kiel. The troops were mustered in from June 23 to June 25, 1863, and the battalion was discharged August 8, 1863.He is listed as a "Com Sgt".(From Independent Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, History, at: www.rootsweb.com/~pacambri/military/indep/. Their source is: Bates, Samuel P., History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-5, Harrisburg: B. Singerly, State Printer. 1871). He is called "Major" in his obituary. On her tombstone, his wife is called the widow of Major James D. Hamilton.

His name appears on the plaque at the Soldiers' Circle at Sandyvale. Copyrighted transcription from: www.rootsweb.com/~pacambri/military/sandyvale/S VS1.html

On 26 Sep 1864 James succeeded Daniel Morris Kiel (brother of his future daughter-in-law, Eckie Kiel) as postmaster of Wilmore. (Frank Kiel's Hendrik Gerrit Kiel--Dutch Immigrant to Pennsylvania, Comfort, Texas: Skyline Ranch Press, 2000, p. 45. His source: National Archives, Record of Appointment of Postmasters 1832 to Sept. 30, 1971.)

J.D. Hamilton is on the 1867 map of Wilmore PA (found at the Library of Congress website). He is living on the west side of Main St in the southern tip of the town next to or at the Wilmore Hotel. He probably managed the hotel. Also on the map are Morris Kiel (a bit north up Main St), and Samuel McLane Kern (outside town to the south, but still on Main St).

James Hamilton's obituary said that he arrived in Johnstown in the spring of 1867. In Johnstown, James worked as the janitor of Union Hall, possibly from his arrival, until his death in 1881.

Some of the events at Union Hall included lectures, debates, and chorale group presentations. (Obituary.) A descendant of James has a picture of four men, very likely including James, and his son Joseph. The men are standing alongside posted advertisements for an event featuring The Wallace Sisters, a comedian, and an man named Bandini. A sign over the posters says: "Post no signs here without permission" -- J.D. Hamilton. Whether or not this event took place at Union Hall is not known. The picture was taken in either 1867, 1872, or 1878, since the date of the event is "Friday, August 30."

Besides being the janitor at Union Hall, James worked as a bill poster and hotel keeper/rooming house operator in Johnstown. In the 1869 Johnstown City Directory, he is listed as:

Hamilton, James D., bill poster, 226 and 228 Washington street.
(1869 Johnstown City Directory. Copyrighted transcription at:www.rootsweb .com/~pacambri/books)

On the 1870 census, he was a hotel keeper in the second ward of Johnstown. (1870 Census: 2nd Ward, Johnstown, Series M593, Roll 1317, page 212)

In the 1876-77 edition of Wiggins and McKillops' General Directory of John stown and Adjoining Boroughs, (images atHeritageQuestOnline.com this listing appears:
"Hamilton, James D., Janitor, Broad near Franklin."

In either another directory, or elsewhere in the same directory, he is:
-- Bill Poster.. --
Hamilton James D., Broad near Union Hall.

(Copyrighted transcription of the 1876 Johnstown City Directory at the Cambria County Website, http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacambri/ books/1876CD/Jtown Bus.html)

In 1880, he was running a boarding house in the third ward of Johnstown and gave his occupation as "janitor and bill poster." (1880 Census, 3rd War d, Johnstown, Cambria, Pennsylvania, Series T9, Roll 1110, Page 40)

His obituary said that James David Hamilton "made many friends in this community . . . and although he saw his share of the ups and downs which are familiar to most people who have lived to the number of years which he scored, it must be said that he was always the same even-tempered gentleman."

The cause of his death was congestion of the lungs. On the same page as his obituary was a short article that said "Several new cases of diphtheria ... reported in Johnstown and vicin[ity] ... in the past few days. It seems that t..[e] ... has not yet been stamped out in thi[s] ..." James is buried in Sandyvale Cemetery with his wife and at least one of his granddaughters.

From the papers pertaining to his estate we can learn the following: James didn't leave a will. The inventory didn't list a boarding house, so he probably didn't own the boarding house in Johnstown. His widow and son Joseph seem to put up a bond in case someone showed up with a claim on the estate. The bond is cosigned by a Joseph Horner. There is a man in Cambria County by that name who was a hotel keeper, so he might have been the owner of the boarding house. Finally, Mary Ann signed the papers with an "X" so, although the 1860 and 1870 censuses indicated she could read and write, she probably couldn't sign her name. (Photocopy received from Cambria County Orphans' Court, June 2004.)

Narrative

Photocopy of the obituary received 27 Aug 2003 from Reference Dept., Cambr ia
County Library. [A note by the librarian in the margin of the photocopy says:
"No page no Tribune - Tues Jan 25, 1881"]

Obituary in The Tribune, Johnstown, Tuesday, Jan. 25.
Local Items

Near the hour of noon to-day Major James David Hamilton, for
twelve years past one of our best-known citizens, and for about
forty years a resident of this county, died at his home corner of
Jackson and Railroad streets, Third Ward, of congestion of the
lungs. Although ailing for nearly a year it was not until Friday
last that he was compelled to take his bed, and the previous day
he was actively engaged attending to duties which devolved upon
him as janitor of Union Hall. The deceased was born in Cape May,
New Jersey, Nov. 10, 1818, and was consequently in the sixty-
third year of his age. When arriving at about his sixteenth year
he was apprenticed to a carpenter in Philadelphia to learn the
trade, and his indentures called for a stay with his master of
six years nine months and fifteen days. Just before arriving at
his majority he became disgusted with the harsh treatment
accorded him, and this was intensified by reason of the fact that
while being compelled to work at the bench, at planing hard
lumber, the dislocation of the upper portion of his spine was
caused, and he decided to run off. Making his way over the
mountain he tarried for a short time in the vicinity of
Hollidaysburg, and then continued his journey to Pittsburgh,
where he went to work on a steamboat bound for New Orleans. He
became fascinated with river life, and during the ensuing several
years was employed at roustabouting, until he finally rose to a
clerkship.
In 1840 he quit the steamboating business and commenced
traveling through the Southern States with a circus. He
continued in the employ of the combination until the close of the
season in the following year, when he concluded to make his home
in this county, and located at Plane No. 2, on the line of the
old Portage Railroad, where he engaged as barkeeper for Mr.
Gideon Marlett, who kept the leading hotel in the place. While a
resident of that village he was united in marriage with Miss
Crum, thirty-five years ago, by whom he had four children--one
son and three daughters--all of whom are still living.
Subsequently he removed to Wilmore, where he kept tavern for
eleven years and lived private for two years. During this time
he was also interested in a line of hacks between Wilmore and
Ebensburg. In the spring of 1867 he came to Johnstown and was
appointed janitor of Union Hall, a position which he held up
until his death. He also kept a hotel on Washington street for
some three or four years after removing to this town.
The deceased made many friends in this community since
becoming a citizen of the place, and his death will be learned
with sincere sorrow by all who knew him. His life was in many
respects a checkered one, and although he saw his share of the
ups and downs which are familiar to most people who have lived to
the number of years which he scored, it must be said that he was
always the same even-tempered gentleman. His loss will be
mourned by not only his relatives but also by a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.
The remains will be interred from his late residence at 2
o'clock Thursday afternoon.

==========================
Photocopy of a death notice received 27 Aug 2003 from Reference Dept., Cambria
County Library. [A note by the librarian in the margin of the photocopy says:
"Tribune - Tues Jan 25, 1881"]
[This was on a separate page from the obituary in local items.]

DIED.

HAMILTON.--In the Third Ward, Johnstown, on Tuesday, Jan. 25,
1881, Mr. James D. Hamilton, in the sixty-third year of his age.
Remains will be interred in Sandyvale Cemetery at 2 o'clock on
Thursday afternoon.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Also: in the column next to the obituary in local items, there
was a column called Minor with some short articles. The last few
letters of each line were cut off by the photocopier. One article
was:

"Several new cases of diphtheria ...
reported in Johnstown and vicin[ity] ...
in the past few days. It seems that th[e] ...
has not yet been stamped out in thi[s] ...

Narrative

Another obituary, this one from the Cambria Freeman, January 28, 1881, column 3, edition:

http://www.camgenpa.com/news/1881CF.html

DEATH OF JAMES D. HAMILTON. - This well known gentleman died at his residence in Johnstown on Tuesday last, in the sixty-third year of his age. He was a native of New Jersey, and about 1842 came to Plane No. 2, on the Old Portage Railroad, and engaged himself as a barkeeper to the late Gideon Marlet who then kept a hotel at that place. He then married his wife, Miss Crum, and shortly after 1850 removed to Wilmore, where he embarked in the hotel business and also became interested in a line of hacks between that place and Ebensburg. In 1867 he went to Johnstown and resided there until the time of his death. He was gifted with much more than average ability, was a close observer of the world and all its wa(y)s, invariably reserved his temper, which was of the most genial nature, and in every respect was a most pleasant and companionable gentleman. He was widely known throughout the county, as well as beyond its limits, and his large circle of friends will sincerely regret to hear of his death. He leaves a widow with three daughters and one son. His funeral took place at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Peace to his ashes.

Narrative

Estate Papers:
Transcript of papers related to the estate of James D. Hamilton,
received from Cambria County Orphans' Court, 200 South Center Street,
Ebensburg, PA 15931, in June 2004.

Indexed in the Cambria County Index of Wills, as being in Volume 7, page
200, year 1881. The photocopy shows the number 2788 on the file folder,
and what may be a microfilm number of 000142. The number 2788 is also on
some of the individual papers.

Many of the forms were "boilerplate" forms. Where there was a line
filled in, I have indicated it by two underlines before and after the
filled in information, e.g., __John H. Brown__, register.

The names of the appraisers' mentioned in the papers were found in the
1876 Johnstown Business Directory. They were a blacksmith, Stonebraker
W., at 41 Somerset. and a saloon keeper, Fritz John, at 339 Railroad.

The name of the Register for the Probate of Wills, was
Brown John H., 64 Franklin., attorney.

==================================
File folder cover:
James D. Hamilton 01-25-1881
Johnstown

-----------------------
State of Pennsylvania, Cambria County, SS..

Before me, __John H. Brown__, register of the Probate of Wills and
granting Letters of Administration in and for said county, personally
came __Mary Ann Hamilton__ who being duly __sworn__ according to law,
doth depose and say that __James D. Hamilton__, late of __Johnstown__ in
said county, died on or about the __25__ of __January__, 18__81__, at
about __11__ o'clock __A__ M.

__Sworn__ and subscribed this
__2d__ day of __July__, 18__81,
__John H. Brown__
Register.

[signed] Mary Ann(X) Hamilton

-----------------------
[back of previous page?]

1881
Cert of date
[stamped later 2788]
of Death
of
James D. Hamilton

 

Filed July 2d 1881.

-----------------------
[This page was all handwritten on what looks like legal paper.]

In the matter of the estate of James D. Hamilton late of the borough of
Johnstown, in the county of Cambria deceased.

Cambria County, SS.

W. Stonehacker[?] and John Fritz[?] being duly sworn say that they will
well and truly appraise and set apart personal property of the said
deceased to the value of three hundred dollars, elected to be retained
by Mary Ann Hamilton, the widow of said deceased for herself and family.

Sworn and subscribed
[July crossed out]
August 1st 1881 before
John Cox J.P.

[signed] Washington Stonehacker
John Fritz

Inventory of the estate of the above named Jamed D. Hamilton, elected to
be retained by mary Ann Hamilton, widow of said Deceased.

One Bureau stand and table 3 00
Four Beadsteads and bedding25 00
One clock and one looking glass 1 75
One Stand and 3 chairs 75
One Stand and 3 chairs 1 25
One Wash bowl and kitchen 50
One looking glass and 3 pictures 1 25
One heating stove 1 50
-----
over35.00

-----------------------
[Is there a page missing here? See amt brought forward on next page.]

-----------------------
[This page was also handwritten, but with what looks like a newspaper
clipping included.]

Amt bro't forward
in the First National Bank of99.55
Johnstown the sum of $200.45
-------
$300.00
-------

Appraised and set apart August 1st 1881.
W. Stonebraker
John Frietz,
Appraisers.

[Same page, but sideways]

[stamped later 2788]
Inventory appraisement
of certain personal property
set apart for the use of
Mary Ann Hamilton
widow of James D. Hamilton
late of Johnstown Boro'
Deceased.

[newspaper-like text]

I. Inventory appraisement of certain
personal property appraised and set apart for
Mary Ann Hamilton, widow of James Hamilton,
late of Johnstown Borough, deceased.--$300.00

[end of newspaper-like text]

Filed Aug. 15[?] 1881
and [???] Dec 7 1881
approved and allowed
by this court

STK

-----------------------
[This page was also handwritten on what looks like legal paper.]

In the matter of the estate of James D. Hamilton late of the borough of
Johnstown, in the county of Cambria deceased.

Cambria County, SS.

W. Stonehacker[?] and John Fritz[?] being duly sworn say that
they will well and truly and without prejudice or partiality, value and
appraise the goods, chattels and credits which were of the said James D.
Hamilton deceased, and in all respects perform their duty as appraisers
to the best of their skill and judgment.

Subscribed
this first day of [July crossed out] August
AD 1881 before
John Cox J.P.

[signed] Washington Stonehacker
John Fritz

Inventory of all the goods, chattels and credits of the above named
James D. Hamilton deceased

Amount of money on deposit
First National Bank of
Johnstown after deducting amount
taken by Mary Ann Hamilton
wido of said decedent. (See
Widows [sic] appraisement of this date) $299.55

-----------------------
[This page was also handwritten on what looks like legal paper.]

Taken and appraised August 1st 1881

 

[signed] Washington Stonebraker
John Frietz

-----------------------
[This page was also handwritten on what looks like legal paper. Text was
sideways on page.]

[stamped later 2788]

1881
Appraisement of the
personal estate of Jas.
D. Hamilton late of
Johnstown Borough
deceased.

Fled Aug 15/1881
S+K

-----------------------
[Long boilerplate form] [Stamped later 365]

Know all Men by these Presents:
That We __Mary Ann Hamilton Joseph Hamilton &
Joseph Horner__

 

are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the
sum of __Twelve hundred__ dollars, lawful money of the United States, to
be paid to the said Commonwealth for the use of the parties interested
in the estate of __James D. Hamilton__ late of __Johnstown__ Cambria
County, deceased. To which payment well and truly to be made, we bind
ourselves, jointly and severally, for and in the whole, our heirs,
executors and administrators, and each and every one of them firmly by
these presents. Sealed with our seals. Dated the __2d__ of __July__ in
the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and __eighty one__.

The Condition of this Obligation is: That if the above bounden __Mary
Ann Hamilton__ Administrat__rix__ of all and singular the goods,
chattels and credits of __James D. Hamilton__ deceased, do make, or
cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the
goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased, which have come, or
shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of __her__ the said
__Mary Ann Hamilton__ or into the hands and possession of any other
person or persons for __her__ and the same so made do exhibit, or cause
to be exhibited, into the Register's Office, in the County of Cambria,
within thirty days from the date hereof; and the same goods, chattels
and credits, and all other the goods, chattels and credits of the said
deceased, at the time of __his__ death, which at any time after shall
come to the hands of possession of the said __Mary Ann Hamilton__ or
into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for __her__
do well and truly administer according to law. And further do make or
cause to be made, a just and true account of __her__ said
administration, within one year from the date hereof, or when thereunto
legally required. And all the rest and residue of the said goods,
chattels and credits which shall be found remaining upon the said
administrator's account, the same being first examined and allowed by
the Orphans' Court of the County having jurisdiction, shall deliver and
pay unto such person or persons as the said Orphans' court, by their
decree or sentance pursuant to law, shall limit and appoint, and shall
well and truly comply with the laws of this Commonwealth relating to
collateral inheritances, and if it shall hereafter appear that any last
will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the same shall be
proved according to law, if the said __Mary Ann Hamilton__ being
thereunto required, do surrender the said letters of administration into
the Register's Office, aforesaid, then this obligation to be void,
otherwise to remain in full force.

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of
[signed] John H[?]. Brown

[signed]
Mary Ann(X) Hamilton
Joseph Hamilton
Joseph Horner

-----------------------
[Page two of boilerplate form]

Cambria County, SS.

Before me, __John H. Brown__ Register for the Probate of Wills and
granting Letters of Administration in and for the said County,
personally came the within named __Mary Ann Hamilton__ who, being duly
__sworn__ according to law, do depose and say that as Administrat__rix__
of the estate of __James D. Hamilton__ late of __Johnstown__ Cambria
County, deceased, __s__he will well and truely administer the goods and
chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased, according to law, and
also will diligently and faithfully regard and well and truly comply
with the provisions of the law, relating to collateral inheritances.

Sworn and subscribed the __2d__ day of __July__ A.D. 18 __81__
Coram

[signed] John H. Brown
Register

[signed] Mary Ann(X) Hamilton

 

[sideways on page]

1881
[stamped later 2788]

Bond and Auth of Mary
Ann Hamilton Admr
of

James D Hamilton
Filed July 2d 1881.

------------------

Events

Event Date Place Description Sources
Birth November 10, 1818 Cape Island, Cape May County, New Jersey, United States   1
Residence about 1834 Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, United States apprentice carpenter  
Event Note

James' obituary said he was an apprentice carpenter in Philadelphia until just before he reached the age of his majority.

Arrival 1842 Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States    
Event Note

His obituary in the Cambria Freeman said that about 1842 he came to Plane No 2 on the Old Portage Railroad. I'm guessing this was in Summerhill Township.

Census (Head) June 1, 1850 Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States 1850 James D Hamilton household 2
General

1850 Federal Census, PA, Cambria Summerhill Twp
Series M432, Roll 761, Page 97
(HeritageQuestOnline.com)

Hamilton James 32 M Carpenter Cape Island
-----, Mary A. 27 F Pa
-----, Joseph 4 M Pa
-----, Maria 2 F Pa
Newkirk, Hiram 27 M Cabinet maker Germany

Business March 15, 1853 Wilmore Borough, Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States   3a
Event Note

Ebensburg Mountain Sentinel, June 9, 1853, page 3
(It looks like this ran in the paper regularly. I also found in in the Democrat and Sentinel, October 21, 1853, page 2)

J.B Craig Jas D Hamilton
Commission & Forwarding
The subscribers would respectively inform their friends and the public that they are now prepared, to receive and forward all good consigned to their care or by any of the Lines, or by Central Railroad, and hope that by strict attention to their business that, they will be enabled to render perfect sasisfaction to all that will patronize them. All goods will receive the greatest care and attention.
Craig & Hamilton
Jefferson, March 15, 1853

Business August 25, 1859 Wilmore Borough, Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States Railroad House  
Event Note

Ebensburg Alleghenian, February 14, 1861, page 4
Railroad House, Wilmore, Cambria County, Pa (Near Penna. Railroad Station.) James D Hamilton, Proprietor.
An extensive Bowling saloon is connected with the House. The Table will be furnished with the best the market affords, and the Bar supplied with the best of liquors, including Ales and Lager from approved breweries. Extensive and convenient Stabling is attached to the premises.

Wilmore, August 25, 1859:tf.

Social Event October 1859 Ebensburg Borough, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States    
Event Note

Ebensburg Alleghenian, October 6, 1859, page 4
Class 7-Vegetables
Judges -- ... James D Hamilton

Business May 23, 1860 Wilmore Borough, Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States bowling alley  
Event Note

Ebensburg Democrat and Sentinel, May 23, 1860, page 3

Ten Pin Alleys
Wilmore Borough
James D Hamilton

Census (Head) June 1, 1860 Wilmore Borough, Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States 1860 James D Hamilton household 4
General

1860 Federal Census, PA, Cambria County, Wilmore Boro
Series M653, Roll 1088, Page 582 (HeritageQuestOnline.com)
Line 32, ff.

Hamilton, Jas D., 42, M, Landlord, personal worth $500
Hamilton, Mary A., 37, F
Hamilton, Joseph, 14, M, School
Hamilton, Maria C.,12, F, School
Hamilton, Ann, 3, F

All birthplaces: Pennsylania
Many boarders listed on next page.
Remarks in margin: "Public Boarding House"

Military Service June 1861 Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, United States    
Event Note

Ebensburg Alleghenian, June 27, 1861, page 3
In Luck--We here it stated that James D Hamilton, of Wilmore, has been placed in command of one of the Government trains now advancing on Harper's Ferry from Chambersburg. The right man in the right place.

Military Service from June 23, 1863 to August 8, 1863 Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States    
General

In 1863, James D Hamilton, Joseph Hamilton, and Daniel Morris Kiel were mustered into Company B of the Independent Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The troops were mustered in from June 23 to June 25, 1863, and the battalion was discharged August 8, 1863.

From Independent Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, History at: www.rootsweb.com/~pacambri/military/indep/
Their source is: Samuel P Bates, History of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-5, (Harrisburg: B. Singerly, State Printer. 1871).

Residence 1867 Wilmore Borough, Summerhill Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States Wilmore Hotel, Wilmore PA  
Event Note

J.D. Hamilton is on the 1867 map of Wilmore PA. He is living on the west side of Main St in the southern tip of the town next to or at the Wilmore Hotel.
The map was once found at http://www.camgenpa.com/maps/

Residence April 1869 Ebensburg Borough, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States Canal Street  
Event Note

Cambria Freeman (Ebensburg), April 15, 1869, page 3
James D Hamilton, formerly of Wilmore, has come to the house recently occupied by Mr Frederick Kreps, on Canal Street, while Mr Kreps goes to the 5th ward ...

Residence 1869 Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States 226 and 228 Washington street 5a
General

1869 Johnstown City Directory

Hamilton James D., bill poster, 226 and 228 Washington street.
http://www.camgenpa.com/books/1869CD/JT.html

Census (Head) June 1, 1870 Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States 1870 James D Hamilton household 6
General

1870 Census: 2nd Ward, Johnstown
Series M593, Roll 1317, page 212
Census page 16, line 37, (HeritageQuestOnline.com)

Hamilton, J. D., 49, M, W, Hotel Keeper, real estate $0, personal estate $900
--------, M. A., 45, F, W, keeping house
--------, Anna , 13
--------, Emma, 5
All Birthplaces: Pennsylvania

With a Ellen and Julia Crouse (mother and daughter)
Frank and Mary Wilkerson, (husband and wife.) A civil engineer
Mary Helstein, 18, Domestic servant.

Residence 1876 Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States Broad near Franklin 5a
General

1876 Johnstown City Directory

Hamilton James D., janitor, Broad near Franklin.
Hamilton Joseph, brakeman, 161 Franklin.
http://www.camgenpa.com/books/1876CD/Jtown2.html

Census (Head) June 1, 1880 Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States 136 Jackson St 7
General

1880 United States Census
3rd Ward, Johnstown, Cambria, Pennsylvania
Series T9, Roll 1110, Page 40, ED 182, sheet 14

HAMILTON, J. D., Self, M, Male, W, 61, Janitor & Bill Poster, born in PA, parents in NJ
------, Mary A., Wife, M, Female, W, 57, Keeping House, born in PA, parents also
--------, Annie, Dau, S, Female, W, 23, At Home, born in PA, parents also
---------, Emma, Dau, S, Female, W, 14, At Home, born in PA, parents also
Robert Smith, 35, male, single, carpenter, born in PA, parents also
Thomas J Lee, 34, male single, carpenter, born in PA, parents also
Thomas Sherrons?, 39, male single, carpenter, born in MD, parents also
R H Hughes, 44, male, single, carpenter, born in NJ, parents also
C W Shivers, 59, male, but both listed as married, plasterer, born in NJ, parents also
E M Shivers, 47, male, but both listed as married, plasterer, born in NJ, parents also

Last six were all boarders. None of the boarders were the ones listed at 136 Jackson in the 1889 City Directory.

Residence June 1, 1880 Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States 136 Jackson St 7
General

James D Hamilton and family are enumerated on an unnamed street in the house after 132. The street name on the page says Railroad St, but the address of these two houses do not match the ones on the rest of the sheet. The fact that James' son Joseph was managing a boarding house at 136 Jackson St in 1887 makes me conclude that James D was at the same address in 1880, namely 136 Jackson.

Death January 25, 1881 Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States   8
Burial January 27, 1881 Sandyvale Cemetery, Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States Burial of James D. Hamilton 9

Families

Family of James David Hamilton and Mary Ann Crum

Married Wife Mary Ann Crum ( b. January 31, 1823 d. May 24, 1885 )
   
Event Date Place Description Sources
Marriage 1845     10
  Children
Name Birth Date Death Date
Joseph HamiltonApril 25, 1846April 6, 1898
Maria C. HamiltonJuly 10, 1848June 13, 1918
Annie D. HamiltonNovember 30, 1857June 20, 1916
Emma HamiltonAugust 1865February 10, 1903