The Cyclopædia of American Biography/Hamilton, James McLellan

HAMILTON, James McLellan, college president, b. in Annapolis, Ill., 1 Oct., 1861, son of James and Mary (Burner) Hamilton. His grandfather, Thomas Hamilton, came to this country from Belfast, Ireland, about 1800, settled in Beaver County, Pa., and fought in the War of 1812. He was educated in the public schools of Annapolis, and later attended Union Christian College where he received the degree of B.L. in 1887, and M.S. in 1890. He removed to Sumner, Ill., where he became superintendent of public schools. Under his superintendence a system of instruction was created which was recognized as an example for the large cities and towns in that part of the country. In 1889 he was called to Missoula, Mont., remaining in charge of the public schools of the city until 1901, when he was chosen professor of history and economics at the University of Montana. The confidence reposed in him was further demonstrated in 1904, when he was made president of the Montana State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, which position he now holds. He was a member of the Montana State Board of

Education from 1893 to 1901, and is a member of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Sigma Chi, National Educational Association, American Association of Agricultural Colleges, Mason, Elk, and Odd Fellow. On 6 June, 1888, he married Emma Shideler, of Meron, Ind., and they have two children.