The Dillon Herald, Dillon South Carolina

May 1, 1919, Vol. 23, No. 24

Death Claims Venerable Citizen

Mr. Whittington Hamilton Dies at Advance Age of Eighty-Nine Years.

When Mr. Whittington Hamilton passed away at his home two miles west of Dillon Friday the county lost one of its oldest residents and the community in which his long and eventful life been spent lost a citizen who had always been a friend of all mankind.

Mr. Hamilton had been in failing health for several years, but he bore his afflictions with the same fortitude that he had shown in meeting the problems of life. A few days before the end came he lapsed into semi-consciousness and passed way like one falling into a gentle slumber after a day of physical toll.

Mr. Hamilton was an extraordinary man. He was one of eight sons, all of whom lived to a ripe old age. Born on the second day of February 1830 he was just in his prime when war between the sections was declared. Shortly after his enlistment he was wounded in the thigh and remained a cripple throughout his life. He returned to his farm and by thrift and industry accumulated quite a large estate which he held until his death.

Mr. Hamilton was known as a friend to all mankind. He was ever ready to assist a neighbor in distress and no one ever appeared to him for help wit hout receiving it. In the years gone by it was a commune saying among the people 'if you are in trouble go to 'Uncle Whit.'

As Mr. Hamilton came of a very long-lived family it will be interesting to record here the dates of the births and deaths of his brothers and sisters: John H., born in 1819,died in 1893; Wilson E., born in 1882* killed in Mexican war in 1846; Arthur, born 1824 killed by A. C. L. train in 1902; Tobias, born 1826 went through Civil War and died in 1891; Stephen C., born 1828, died 1904; Rachael T., born 1833, died 1894; Dr. W.W. born 1834, went through war and died in 1912; Bryant W., born 1837 and killed in war in 1863; Susan McK., born 1840, but date of death unknown.

Mr. Hamilton is survived by his wife who was Miss Carrie Jane Jackson**, and the following daughters; Mrs. R. B. Taylor, Mrs. R.R. McKenzie, Mrs. Sella Herring and Mrs. Louisa Jackson.

Mr. Hamilton had been a life-long member of Pleasant Grove church. The interment was made Saturday morning at the family burying ground two miles west of Dillon.

·* Transcribed as written. This date is obviously incorrect.

Submitted by Helen Moody, 13 Oct 2002.