John Taylor Hamilton

John Taylor Hamilton (October 16, 1843 – January 25, 1925) was an American businessman from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and a one-term Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Iowa's 5th congressional district.

Early life Hamilton was born on October 16, 1843, near Geneseo, Henry County, Illinois, to James S. Hamilton and Mary E. Taylor. His ancestors came from Ireland, and were Scottish-Irish. James was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Antrim, New Hampshire. John's parents were married in Henry County, Illinois, and farmed there. When James retired he moved to Geneseo, Illinois, and lived there until he died at age 77. John's mother died at age 82. The Hamiltons were Presbyterian and the Taylors were Unitarian. He served as a member of the Linn County Board of Supervisors from 1882 to 1884. Hamilton served in the 52nd United States Congress. Hamilton's term ran from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1893.

He returned to Cedar Rapids to run a business that had changed in his absence. In Hamilton's first year in Congress, his brothers W. W. and Porter had bought Amidon's stock in his and Hamilton's agricultural implement company. The company was then renamed Hamilton Brothers. He was first appointed to that position for two years, In 1908 he was reappointed for a full six-year term, but he resigned a year later, in September 1909, citing the pressing needs of his business.

In 1914, Hamilton ran for Governor of Iowa against incumbent Republican George W. Clark. He won the Democratic primary, but lost to Clark in the general election. He died in Cedar Rapids on January 25, 1925. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.