Biographical Sketch of

William A. Hamlin

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 553 - 554 


William Augustus Hamlin, who is now living in Wautoma, Wisconsin, is numbered among the pioneer settlers
of Waushara County, and as such, deserves representation in this volume, one aim of which is to perpetuate 
the memory of those, who, undaunted by the trials and hardships of frontier life, laid the foundation of 
the present prosperity of the county. He was born May 1, 1828, in Sidney, Kennebec County, Maine, and 
belongs to a family of fourteen children, whose parents are William and Paulina (Bacon) Hamlin. Of that 
numerous family seven are yet living. Albion K. P., the eldest, is a resident of Kennebec County, Maine; 
Caroline A. is the wife of Samuel Thompson of the same county; William A. is the third in order of birth; 
Joseph P. is a real estate dealer in Boston, Mass.; George of Merrill, Wisc., served his country through 
the War of the Rebellion as a member of the 8th Wisconsin Battery; Solomon is living in Waushara County; 
John C., who was a member of the 7th Wisconsin Infantry, which regiment was known as the "Northwestern 
Tigers," is now a traveling salesman.

The father of this family was also in the late War engaged in the defense of the Union cause as a member 
of the 8th Wisconsin Battery. He came to the West in 1847, when Wisconsin was yet a Territory and for a 
short time made his home in Winnebago county, but in 1848 came to Waushara County. He was a carpenter by 
trade and the first building on which he was employed after his arrival was a sawmill in Wautoma. He was 
a worthy and valued citizen of the community and his death, which occurred May 1, 1879, was sincerely 
mourned. His wife was called to her final rest about a month prior to the death of her husband.

The subject of this sketch had almost attained to mature years when the family emigrated to Wisconsin. The 
days of his boyhood and youth were spent in his native county, and his education was acquired in the district 
schools. In Waushara County, Wis., on the 4th of March, 1849, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony 
with Miss Mary J. Bowler, a native of the Pine Tree State, and a daughter of James and Eliza (Packard) Bowler. 
When a child she was left an orphan and was reared in the family of a Mr. Snow. The young couple settled in 
Waushara County, Wis., spending the first winter in Wautoma. Mr. Hamlin then made a claim on the line between 
the towns of Wautoma and Mt. Morris, and building a house he and his wife there began their life in earnest. 
He made a claim of 160 acres of land, and by perseverance and industry developed that wild tract into one of 
the best farms of the community, continuing the cultivation of the same until 1886, when he removed to Wautoma, 
where he is now living a retired life. When he first settled in the county, that city contained but one house 
and for miles around there were but a few cabins.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin have been born seven children: Mary E., wife of William R. Stewart of Princeton, Green 
Lake Co. Wis.; Cecelia A., wife of William J. DeVor, of Plainfield; Rose M., wife of F. E. Mason, of Berlin; 
William F. who is living on the old homestead; Mina A., wife of George Philbrick, of Hurley; Lizzie P., wife of 
Charles Taylor, of Wautoma; Elme L., who completes the family.

Mr. Hamlin has been a staunch supporter of the Republican party since its organization and takes an active 
interest in political affairs, although he has ever sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his 
attention to his business pursuits. He has watched the growth of Waushara County for more than forty years, 
has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, the pioneer cabins replaced by elegant 
residences, while churches and school houses appear on almost every hillside. He has aided in the work of 
progress and development, and has given his support to those enterprises which are calculated to upbuild the 
community in which he makes his home. 






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