It's always interesting to add a biography and image to the addressee, so here's some detail on Norman Hamilton, Esq., of Paris, Ontario:
Quote:
NORMAN HAMILTON, Esq. (deceased), was a native of Mendon N.Y. He removed to Canada about 1828, settling first in Mudge Hollow (now called Canning) and thence removed to Paris in 1831. He married his first wife, Miss Elizabeth S. Cook, Jan. 1, 1837: she died Dec. 19, 1861. His second marriage was with Miss Elizabeth Ebbs, Jan. 1, 1863; she died June 26, 1864, leaving an infant daughter, who survives her father. His third marriage was with Mrs. Sarah Wickson Carruthers, Aug. 23, 1865, who survives him. Mr. Hamilton's domestic life was very happy, and uniformly such as all the relations of husband and parent required. He excelled as a business man, and by his practical shrewdness often served others as well as himself. For many years he owned a grist mill in Paris, but acquired sufficient property to retire from active business many years before he died. He was no party politician, but a Christian patriot and reformer, and took deep interest in whatever affected the peace or prosperity of his adopted country. He served the public in municipal and other offices, and took an active part in various philanthropic enterprises; especially did he devote much time and personal labour in the introduction of English emigrant boys to Canadian homes, and many a man whom he thus befriended when a lad will remember him with gratitude. Mr. Hamilton was generous to benevolent societies, and gave liberally to the American Board of Foreign Missions, church building schemes, colleges, etc., etc., some of which shared with his only daughter and wife, at his death, the competency which his thrift and business tact had acquired. Hillside, the beautiful residence on the bank of Grand River, which is terraced and planted, will long keep Mr. Hamilton's name in remembrance. There are perhaps few if any more beautiful grounds, or a more desirable situation in Paris.
Posted 02/09/2012 9:42 pm
