Biographical Sketch of

George T. Hamer

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 700 - 701 


George T. Hamer, who is numbered among the honored pioneers of Green Lake County and for many years has been a 
leading citizen of Princeton, is of English birth.  He was born on the 27th of October, 1827, and was one of a 
family of ten children, whose parents, Edward and Mary Ann (Chantry) Hamer, were also natives of the same country. 
His father was a ship-builder by occupation, but also spent some years of his life while in England as proprietor 
of a hotel.  In 1834 he sailed for America.  Accompanied by his family, he crossed the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, 
and after some weeks upon the water reached New York, whence he continued on his way to his destination--Cleveland, 
Ohio.  In that city he resumed work at his trade, and built the first boat there constructed.  His residence in 
Cleveland was of sixteen years duration, and in 1850 he came to Wisconsin, his first settlement being in Ft. Winnebago, 
now the city of Portage.  He did not long continue there, however, but soon afterward came to Princeton, then a little 
village of a few houses, known as Treat's Landing.  About a mile and a half from the town he purchased a farm of eighty 
acres, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits.  Many were the hardships and difficulties which he encountered 
in his efforts to make a home in that wild region.  The land was in its primitive condition, the settlements were widely 
scattered, the red men had not yet all left their old haunts, and many wild animals were still seen in the neighborhood.  
All kinds of wild fowls, also deer, were to be had in abundance, and furnished many a meal for the pioneers.
 
The story of such a life is one of much interest, but space forbids us to dwell upon it.  In the village of Princeton, 
Mr. Hamer purchased ten lots, paying for all only $100.  Upon one of these he built a rude cabin, the family living in 
a covered wagon during the course of its construction.  At length they were installed in their new home, and obtained 
provisions to last them for many months.  Mr. Hamer then returned to Cleveland, where he again worked at his trade.  
Twelve months passed before he rejoined his family, but he could find no employment in the West, and necessity compelled 
him to remain in Ohio.  After adding to the comforts of the home he again returned to his work, and another year was thus 
spent.  At the end of that time, however, he had acquired a sufficient sum to enable him to begin the improvement of his 
farm, and with the help of his children he developed a good home.  From that time prosperity attended his efforts, and in 
1866 he retired from active life, purchasing a residence in Princeton, where in the midst of his family he spent his 
declining years.  His lot was not an easy one, but he never tired of laboring for his wife and children.  His death 
occurred on the 11th of May, 1873.  The loss of few men has been more deeply felt, and in the home circle it was one 
which has never yet been supplied.  His wife survived him for seven years, but June 27, 1880, she too passed away.  
But two of the Hamer family, which once numbered twelve members, are now left to perpetuate its history.  The elder, 
Newton W., is now a resident of Cadot, Wis.
 
George T., of this sketch,  has since his thirteenth year, made his home in the Badger State.  He was reared to farm 
life, and bore his part in the arduous task of developing a home from the wild lands of Green Lake County.  Until 
twenty-four years of age he remained with his parents, but he could then no longer resist his country's call for troops, 
and enlisted in the service as a member of company I, 11th Wisconsin Infantry.  Going to Madison, he was then sent with 
his company, under the command of Capt. A. J. Whittier, to St. Louis, and thence to Sulphur Springs where they went into 
camp, remaining about five months.  Company I, was then removed to Big River Bridge, their duty being to guard it against 
the bushwhackers.  Building a log house with port-holes at that point, they there remained for about five months, when 
they were ordered to proceed through Missouri and Arkansas.  On the 7th of July, 1862, they participated in the battle 
at Bayou Cache, where Mr. Hamer was wounded in the left knee.  He was conveyed by wagon for about sixty miles over a 
corduroy road, which was not very beneficial to his wound.  On reaching Helena, Ark., with other sufferers, he was taken 
by boat to St. Louis, and thence conveyed to Jefferson Barracks, where he remained Until Oct. 8, 1862, when he was 
discharged on account of disability.  Returning to his home, he remained until Feb. 25, 1864, when he again enlisted, 
entering the ranks of the 36th Regiment, as a member of Company F.  From Madison he was sent to Washington, and thence 
to Virginia, arriving in time to participate in the battle at Cold Harbor.  He served as Color Sergeant, but on the last 
day of the battle, when carrying his comrades off the field, his wound broke out afresh, and he himself was placed on a 
stretcher and taken to a division hospital.  It was five months before he had sufficiently recovered to join his command.  
When he did so he was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant, serving in that capacity until the close of the war when 
he received his discharge at Jeffersonville, Ind.  He participated in the grand review at Washington, and on the 12th of 
July, 1865, was mustered out of service.
 
When hostilities had ceased, Mr. Hamer returned to the peaceful pursuits of life, working at the mason's trade, which he 
has since followed.  He is a man well known throughout the county, and by his many friends and acquaintances is highly 
esteemed.  He has held the office of Constable for one term, and has ever faithfully discharged the duties of citizenship.  
With the exception of one year, when he was connected, as partner, with the sash and blind factory of Waupun, he has made 
his home in Princeton since the war, and his history is inseparably connected with that of the city in whose growth and 
progress he has ever manifested a deep interest.  In political sentiment he is a Republican, having supported the principles 
of that great national organization since its establishment.  Socially he is a member of the G.A.R.
 
The most important event in the life of George T. Hamer occurred on the 27th of October, 1863, when he was united in 
marriage with Miss Emma J. Littlechild, who to him has been a true helpmate through life's journey.  They have one 
daughter, Fannie B., who is an accomplished young lady and a teacher of recognized ability in the Princeton schools.
 






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