Henry D. Hamilton papers (Ms. 2009.009)

The Henry D. Hamilton papers include correspondence, legal documents, diaries, certificates, writings, publications, photographs, scrapbooks, artifacts and ephemera belonging to Henry D. Hamilton, his father B.B. Hamilton, and his brother John B. Hamilton. Most of the material in the collection is dated between 1837 and 1942.

The correspondence series contains letters dated from 1837 to 1942. The letters to B.B. Hamilton include personal letters from family members and friends as well as letters related to his work as a Baptist minister and his membership in various organizations. While the majority of the correspondence to and from Henry D. Hamilton is personal, some is related to his work as a lawyer and his involvement in politics. Letters to and from other family members are also included in this series.

Much of the material in the business papers originally belonged to B.B. Hamilton. It includes several record books he used when he was the town clerk and Postmaster of White Hall, Illinois. The marriage records are forms supplied by the Illinois State Board of Health which B.B. Hamilton filled out when he performed a marriage. Also included in this series are deeds, most of which are handwritten, legal documents and receipts.

The military papers contain material related to the military service of B.B. Hamilton, Henry D. Hamilton, and Warren M. Hamilton. It consists chiefly of publications of the New York and Rhode Island Adjutant General's Offices. Two Civil War era military passes are included in the material related to B.B. Hamilton.

The Hamilton family genealogy series contains information about the various branches of the Hamilton family as well as organizations to which Henry D. Hamilton belonged such as the Sons of the Revolution and the Society of Mayflower Descendants. Most of the material in the subject files originally belonged to B.B. Hamilton. The records of the Lofton Prairie Anti-Slavery Society, dated between 1836 and 1842, concern the activities of one of the earliest antislavery societies in southwestern Illinois.

The diaries in this collection were kept by B.B. Hamilton between 1857 and 1890. Most of the entries are short accounts of his daily activities, although some also contain notes on religious subjects. The diary dated 1864 contains entries made when he was serving in the 61st Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. The writings in these papers include notes on sermons by B.B. Hamilton and pamphlets on various medical subjects written by John B. Hamilton. The majority of the certificates belonged to Henry D. Hamilton; most are related to his membership in the Royal Arch Masons.

The publications series consists chiefly of pamphlets, newspapers, newspaper clippings and the minutes and proceedings of several Baptist associations in Illinois. The photographs include portraits of Henry D. Hamilton as well as pictures of his family members and various associates. Many are not dated and are of people who are not identified. The scrapbooks consist mainly of newspaper clippings concerning the political and military career of Henry D. Hamilton.

Most of the artifacts in this collection are related to Henry D. Hamilton's membership in the Royal Arch Masons. They include commemorative medals, lapel pins, and a Masonic banner in a leather case. The ephemera series includes brochures, postcards, calling cards, tickets and other similar material.