Robert Hamilton

Robert Hamilton BIRTH 1808 County Armagh, Northern Ireland DEATH 27 May 1890 (aged 81–82) Charlemont, Lambton County, Ontario, Canada BURIAL Dresden Cemetery Dresden, Chatham-Kent Municipality, Ontario, Canada PLOT Row 47 Inscription 1228 MEMORIAL ID 52391214

Parents: Jacob Hamilton b. Killycapple, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, 1763; d. Killycapple, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, 13 August 1861

Mary Gray b. County Armagh, Northern Ireland, 1777; d. Killeen Townland, Markethill District, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, 4 January 1866

ROBERT HAMILTON departed this life May 27, 1890, aged 82 years.

Grandfather Hamilton was born in [the] County of Armagh, Ireland, in the year 1808. He left his father’s home at quite an early age and learned the weaver’s trade, which bussiness he followed for a number of years in his native county. In 1839 he was married to Esther Albion [Albin] and four years later they immigrated to Canada. They first settled in the county of Frontenac, Ont., and lived there until 1887. The country was new at this time and they were eager to procure land and build up a home for themselves and their family. They were not accustomed to this new kind of labour, but had to launch out and face the stern realities of a pioneer life. They united their energies and succedded in building up a comfortable home in this their adopted country. By industry and honest dealing, he secured competent means to furnish all the necessaries of this life, both for himself and those he has left behind. He was the father of eleven children, all of whom are living. Nine of them are married, and have families. Two sons still reside at home with their aged mother.

In the year 1887, he disposed of his old home in Frontenac, Ont., and moved with those of the family who were still at home [John and Hugh] to Kent county, Ont. It was his wish to live where he could be near to all of his children. He purchased a farm in Chatham township, and has lived here for the last three years quite contentedly, his children all living with one and a half miles of him. When about sixty years of age he was thrown from a wagon, and received injuries from which he never fully recovered. A few years after this accident, he lost his eyesight. He felt this affliction keenly, yet he told the writer a few years ago that he believed it was all for the best. He was united with the Episcopalian Church [Church of Ireland] until he came to Canada. He then united himself with the M.E Church [Methodist Episcopalian]. A few years later on, he united with the Wesleyan Methodist body, where he remained until the union of the Methodist churches in Canada [1884].

Grandfather Hamilton had but one aim. That was to serve God with an undivided heart. His one object was Heaven. He was a man of a very quiet disposition, and as meek and humble as a child. He was willing to receive instructions from any of God’s children. He led a praying life for sixty years, and yet it had not that peace and joy that God has in store for his children, until a short time before his death. A little over a year ago the Free Methodists opened up a work in this place and two lady evangelists (Sister L. J. Warren and A. L. Green) were in charge. They used to visit the home of the departed one quite frequently, and would converse with him freely concerning his soul, and when they would ask him the question, “Does Jesus save you now?” he would shake his head and with a sorrowful heart he would answer, “No.” Yet he would say, “I feel more determined than ever to go on, and double my diligence.” He was willing to do anything that laid in his power to procure Bible salvation. He had used tobacco for fifty years, and about one year ago he laid it aside once and forever, setting a grand example for the young men of his neighborhood. His all was on the altar. He felt resigned in all things, and he said he believed the Lord would accept his offering sometime. God loves an honest heart, and came to his assistance. Just one week before he died he was enabled to step out on the promise contained in the word and won the victory – a glorious victory. Oh, what a shout of triumph went up from the pale lips of him who had struggled so long! He prayed to the Lord that if it was his will, he might be raised up just long enough to give in his testimony in one public meeting. But God had better things in store for him. He made two requests concerning himself, after he had redeemed his freedom in Christ; one was to be immersed, the other to join the Free Methodist Church on probation. Both were granted him. Six of his children belong to the Free Methodist class here (Keith, Ont.), and he requested the rest to follow his example and all get baptized. His sick room was a blessed place.

When asked the question, “Have you the assurance of sins forgiven?” He shouted forth, “Yes. Glory to God! Glory to God!” The strength he had up to the very last was remarkable. God had work for him to do, and we believe that the words of counsel spoken by him will not soon be forgotten. His advice was, “Give your heart to the Lord, and then keep your head up. Don’t do as I have done. I have gone all my life with my head down, and since those two sisters have come here I have been afraid to give in my testimony for fear they would ask me some question I could not answer. But, praise the Lord! I can answer any of them now.” He was a man that was highly esteemed by his family, and all that knew him.

Grandfather is gone. The first link of this family chain is broken. But we know in a state of holy triumph he passed from earth to Heaven. The warm heart that has beat so long has stopped – forever stopped. But looking beyond we think we can see him in his Father’s mansion, where there is no more death. Sorrow and sighing have fled away, and there is no night there. He has reached the home where the flowers of youth will bloom forever, where there are no aching hearts, no tear dimmed eyes – but all is peaceful, serene and bright.

Some of his last remarks were these: “Jesus saves me now. It is well with my soul. I feel that I am crossing the river. My feet are in the water now. There is rest for the weary on the other side of Jordan.” He selected his funeral text from 1 Cor. 15:51-53. His funeral was attended by a very large concourse of friends. W. J. Campbell

Printed in: “The Free Methodist”, Chicago, July 2, 1890, page 423, Cecil Deyo obtained this in 2014 from: Susan M. Panak, Acquisitions and Archives, Spring Arbor University White Library, Spring Arbor, Michigan.

Note: Esther (Albin) Hamilton’s obituary in “The Free Methodist” states all eleven children converted and became members of the Free Methodist Church.

The author, W.J. Campbell, was Robert Hamilton’s son-in-law. William Campbell was married to Matilda Hamilton in 1883. Their 6 year old son Norris was living with Christopher and Clarissa Deyo in 1901 Canada Census after Matilda died at only 30 years of age in 1897. William Campbell’s occupation in 1891 Canada Census is Free Methodist minister in Walsingham Township, Norfolk County, Ontario. Esther Deyo, d/o Christopher and Clarissa married William’s brother, Hershel Campbell.

Family Members Spouse Photo Esther Albin Hamilton 1819–1912

Children Photo Mary Jane Hamilton Botting 1840–1929

Photo Eliza Hamilton Wilson 1842–1933

Photo Clarissa Hamilton Deyo 1844–1910

Photo Jacob Albin Hamilton 1848–1936

Sarah Hamilton Manning 1854–1933

Photo Robert Hamilton 1855–1907

Photo John Hamilton 1856–1939

Photo Esther Babcock 1866–1920

Maintained by: Beverly Graham Originally Created by: Alicia Gerber Added: 14 May 2010 Find A Grave Memorial 52391214 Source citation

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52391214/robert-hamilton