Illinois Governor. During the Civil War, he served as a Private in Company I, 141st Illinois Infantry, Union Army and after the war he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1868, then taught school. He later became a professor of Latin at Illinois Wesleyan University, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1870 and established a legal firm in Bloomington, Illinois. He was a member of the Illinois State Senate, (1876-80) and the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, (1881-83). When Governor Shelby M. Cullom resigned from office, Hamilton was appointed as a Republican the 18th Governor of Illinois, serving (1883-85). During his term, the Harper high-license liquor law was adopted, a compulsory education act was sanctioned and state regulations were imposed on foreign insurance companies. After leaving office, he resumed the practice of law until his death at age 58.
Illinois Governor. During the Civil War, he served as a Private in Company I, 141st Illinois Infantry, Union Army and after the war he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1868, then taught school. He later became a professor of Latin at Illinois Wesleyan University, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1870 and established a legal firm in Bloomington, Illinois. He was a member of the Illinois State Senate, (1876-80) and the 22nd Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, (1881-83). When Governor Shelby M. Cullom resigned from office, Hamilton was appointed as a Republican the 18th Governor of Illinois, serving (1883-85). During his term, the Harper high-license liquor law was adopted, a compulsory education act was sanctioned and state regulations were imposed on foreign insurance companies. After leaving office, he resumed the practice of law until his death at age 58.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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