Richard J. Hamilton

Richard Jones Hamilton (August 21, 1799 – December 12, 1860) was an American politician and judge. Hamilton was born in Kentucky, but moved to Illinois in his early adulthood where he held numerous public offices. Hamilton was a member of the Democratic Party. In the 1830s, Hamilton moved to Cook County, Illinois, where he served as a county judge, the recorder of deeds, county clerk, clerk of the Circuit Court, clerk of the Cook County Commissions Court, and also held several minor municipal offices in Chicago. In the 1840s, Hamilton twice won election to the Chicago Common Council (city council) as a Democrat. He was a Democratic presidential elector in 1852, and was the Democratic Party's unsuccessful nominee for lieutenant governor of Illinois in 1856

Early life and career Hamilton was born August 21, 1799, in Mercer County, Kentucky. He was educated at Shelbyville Academy and Shelbyville College. In 1831, he also was made the inaugural clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, holding that office until 1841. In December 1831, he was appointed clerk of Cook County, an office that he held until August 1837.

Personal life In 1822, Hamilton married Diana W. Buckner. He became widowed after her death in 1834. In 1835, he remarried to Hariette L. Hubbard. He was widowed a second time after she died in 1843. In 1843, he married his third wife Priscilla P. Tuley.

Hamilton was a Freemason, and served as an officer of the Grand Lodge Of Illinois. He was also a Presbyterian.

Hamilton died in Chicago on December 26, 1860. He was buried with Masonic honors.