Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, James. d. Mar. 17, 1872, 87y 14d (8-4)

[Brøderbund Family Archive #313, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1810, Date of Import: Sep 17, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.313.1.1799.89]

Individual: Hammer, James

County/State: Northumberland Co., PA

Location: Chillisquaque Twp

Page #: 103

Year: 1810

1 male under 10 (?)

1 male 16-26 (John)

1 male 26-45 (James)

1 female 16-26 (?)

1 female 26-45 (Elizabeth)

1 female over 45 (Elenor)

James is living at home with family. Head of household. Not married. He and John were married about 1813 and Thomas' monies were dispersed in 1818.

War of 1812, fighting with Thomas Jr in battle. Thomas's wife died 1811.

[Brøderbund Family Archive #314, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1820, Date of Import: Sep 17, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.314.1.2501.175]

Individual: Hammer, James

County/State: Union Co., PA

Location: White Deer Twp

Page #: 067

Year: 1820

[Brøderbund Family Archive #315, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1830, Date of Import: Sep 15, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.315.1.3906.106]

Individual: Hammer, James

County/State: Northumberland Co., PA

Location: Turbut Twp

Page #: 130

Year: 1830

[Brøderbund Family Archive #316, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1840, Date of Import: Sep 15, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.316.1.5014.44]

Individual: Hammer, James

County/State: Northumberland Co., PA

Location: Turbot Twp

Page #: 108

Year: 1840

[Brøderbund Family Archive #317, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1850, Date of Import: Apr 7, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.317.1.13618.21]

Individual: Hamer, James

County/State: Fulton Co., IL

Location: Vermont

Page #: 106

Year: 1850

225-226

James Hamer 68 m Farmer PA

Elizabeth Hamer 68 f PA

[Brøderbund Family Archive #318, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected States/Counties, 1860, Date of Import: Sep 16, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.318.1.15272.15]

Individual: Hamer, James

County/State: Fulton Co., IL

Location: Vermont

Page #: 308

Year: 1860

1870 Heritage Quest Index of the Illinois Census

HAMAR, JAS 86 M W PA FULTON CO VERMONT TWP p 285

Burial: 1872, Vermont Cemetery, Fulton County, Illinois

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Elizabeth (Seibert), wife of James Hamer, d. June 27, 1870, 83y (?) 17d (8-4)

1870 Heritage Quest Index of the Illinois Census: HAMER, ELIZ 85 F W PA FULTON CO VERMONT TWP p286

Burial: 1870, Vermont Cemetery, Fulton County, Illinois

"The Story of Margaret M. Hecox", by Marie Valhasky (Catherine Hecox), condensed from an article in "The Overland Monthly" 1892, v19, p535-547 & v20, p98-102.

I must tell you of the early days of my life, of the beautiful country from which I came, and of the dear home I was obliged to leave forever. I used to play with my brothers and sisters in the woods of Pennsylvania. My mother was fair and pretty, and I am dark like my father. My mother's family were German, and my father's English. Grandfather Sibert's house was built partly of stone and partly of logs. Back of the house was a spring; from the spring a little brook wandered Over the brook was built the spring house. Grandfather Sibert had been hurt, and had never been able to walk since. He sat and made baskets. My grandmother superintended the farm herself. Her two sons were away from home, in business. One lived in Milton, Pennsylvania, and made threshing machines, and the other had a weaving establishment. My mother's family belonged to the Lutheran Church. They came to the United States in 1702, and settled in Redding, Pennsylvania. Mother was very fair, with blue eyes, and her hair was pretty about her face. She always wore a cap, I think. I cannot remember her without one. Father was very different from mother. He was very large, dark, and proud looking. He had been a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father, my grandfather Hamer, had been an officer in the Revolutionary War. My grandfather went through the war from beginning to end, and part of the time my uncle, my father's oldest brother, had been with him. My father was a stern man. His frequent absences from home nearly broke my heart. My sister, Nellie took the baby, but mother noticed that she could use only one arm. On examination the other arm was found to be broken, and so swollen that the bone coud not be properly set, and it is crooked to this day. Father bought some sheep and we were told to watch them. Mother and Father went to a reception in honor of Lafayette. I cannot remember where the reception was, but I can very well remember how fine they looked. After I had been in California over twenty years I went back to visit my people, but it was not to the old home. They had emigrated to Illinois, and everything but my mother and father had changed. I married at nineteen, and ten years later, after many wanderings, we had settled down in a comfortable little home in Illinois. We had about thirty acres of land under cultivation, an orchard set out. I had four children living (my oldest one had died). My husband was of a restless disposition. The talk about California began before Adna was born. When my little boy was about three months old I had a dream that renewed all my fears. A man stood ready to buy our place and in less than three weeks we had sold everything. We went into the lead mines, about three miles from what had been our home, and moved into a miner's shanty. We made our first start from Apple River the twenty-third of March, 1846, the birthday of my second living child. Catherine, the little girl who was five years old the day we started, was a lively, excitable child, and she and her older sister, Sarah, were as happy as could be when their father put them into the wagon, and I gave them the large dolls I had made for them and reserved for this moment. Ellen had a doll, too, which she quietly hugged in her arms. My baby was sick, and he and I tried to see which could cry the hardest. Those who started with us were names, Joseph Aram, wife and three children, Edwin Shaw, Charles Imus, Charles A. Imus, and John and James Taggart. We went as far as Belmont, where we stayed three weeks to wait for other emigrants who were to join our company. After we crosssed the Mississippi River it commenced raining, and for days we splashed through mud and slush. It was while making our way to St. Joseph that we met hundreds of Mormons, who had recently been driven out of Nauvoo. On the third day of May we arrived in St. Joseph, Missouri. At St. Joseph we laid in what provisions we could carry, and I bought necessaries for myself and the children. On the eighth of May we were ferried across the Missouri River. On the tenth of May we actually entered upon our long journey, and left all traces of civilization. On the seventeenth of May my baby, then our only son, was one year old. I have him yet after all these years. Sarah and Catharine were very fond of Jane Aram, who was about their own age, and she often rode in the wagon with them. Mr. Aram had been elected captain. Edwin Shaw was a nice young fellow about twenty years of age. We reached the place that was afterwards called Fort Kearny. Here we saw a company of Pawnee Indians. After they had gone we found they had stolen a thousand things ... the bolts from our wagons. There was nothing to do but follow the Indians and recover our property. This the men did. At Fort Laramie we found the Sioux who had fought the Pawnees. We traveled for many miles along the south side of the Platte River. Adna traded a gun to an Indian for a pony for Sarah; she was a dear little black-eyed thing. Catherine was fair with blue eyes, and hair that looked golden in the light. The Fourth of July we spent at Independence Rock. All along the valley of the Sweetwater we traveled as peacefully and quietly as possible. At Soda Springs we stopped for a day or two. It was a beautiful place. From Fort Hall we traveled down the Columbia River. Thousand Spring Valley was a pleasant place, but the thing I remember best about it was the large washing Mrs. Aram and I did there. At Big Meadows an Indian joined our company who offered to guide us to the top of the Rocky Mountains. He was faithful and kindhearted. He visited us many times after we came to California. The last time I ever saw him was when Ellen died. He was a Shoshone Indian. From Big Meadows we entered the desert. This was the most miserable part of the journey. After getting through that terrible country, we followed up a stream to Donner Lake. We called it Truckee Lake then. The first day of October we encamped in the Sacramento Valley. We were ferried across the Sacramento River. We found a man from Adna's old home in Centreville, Michigan. His name was Helms Downing and he had been in California a year. After leaving the Sacramento Valley we went to the Puebla, or San Jose. Wearily we took up our march to Santa Clara. Colonel Fremont had taken possession of the old Mission buildings in Santa Clara and we were assured that we should find food and shelter there. We had a great deal of sickness in that dark, damp, bad-smelling prison. We buried fourteen out of that place in nine days. Doctor Isbel, one of our number, did what he could, but he was sick himself. The worst was when Adna had typhoid fever. My baby, poor little Adna, used to lie there with his father. We started a little school. Mrs. Olive Isbel, the wife of Doctor Isbel, taught the school. When she was sick Mr. West took her place. We made preparations to find some other place. Some went to San Jose; some to Monterey; Adna decided to go to Santa Cruz, though afterwards concluded to settle in Soquel. We started from Santa Clara the 20th day of February, 1847. We were eight days in reaching Soquel. Adna began to build a sawmill on the Soquel Creek for an Irishman named Michael Lodge. Mr. Lodge had married a rich Spanish woman and owned a great deal of land. During the spring and summer of 1847 Adna and several other men worked upon this mill and by the next spring it was in good running order. It is said that Adna held the first Protestant services in Santa Cruz County. My sixth child was born in Soquel. Matilda was a delicate little girl and I always felt that she hadn't a fair chance while a baby. The mill was in good running order when the discovery of gold drove everybody raving crazy. Adna made arrangements to move his family to Santa Cruz and was gone to the mines about four months, and was among the men who discovered the rich diggings of Hangtown, now Placerville. He returned with gold enough for every comfort that money could buy. That was not much in those days. From that time on we felt that Santa Cruz was our home.

January 19, 1908 - Obituary

Beloved Pioneer Goes to Her Reward

Mrs. Margaret M. Hecox Passes On

At a few minutes after three o'clock Saturday afternoon Mrs. M.M. Hecox breathed her last at her home at the Santa Cruz lighthouse where she resided with her son and daughter, Laura, for many years, her husband, Adna A. Hecox, being the lighthouse keeper at the time of his demise, his daughter, Miss Laura, acceptably filling that responsible postiton ever since. This noble woman, formerly, Miss Margaret Hamer, married Adna A. Hecox in 1836. Soon after, they arrived in California. Mr. Hecox preached the first Protestant sermon within the present limits of this State. They arrived in Santa Cruz in 1847, forming the first lodge of Good Templars on this coast in February, 1855. Had the deceased lived till the 20th of next February she would have been 93 years of age. She leaves the following children to mourn her loss: Mrs. S.E. Stampley, Oakland; Mrs. C.M. Brown, Berkeley; Mrs. M.A. Longley, Santa Cruz; Mrs. A.R. Organ; Santa Cruz; Orville N. Hecox, Oceanside; Adna H. Hecox, Santa Cruz; and Miss Laura J.F. Hecox, Santa Cruz; besides eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, and a circle of prominent friends. For a number of years her great age prevented her from participating in the activities of life beyond her own immediate home circle. Mrs. Hecox was the last charter member of the local Methodist Church to depart from this earth.

[Brøderbund Family Archive #317, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1850, Date of Import: Sep 22, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.317.1.14595.53]

Individual: Hedcocks, A. A.

County/State: Santa Cruz Co., CA

Location: Santa Cruz

Page #: 264

Year: 1850

Page Sht.Line DwellFam Name Age Sex Birth

264 A 15 20 20 Heacock, A. A. 44 M MI

264 A 16 20 20 Heacock, M. M. 34 F PA

264 A 17 20 20 Heacock, Sarah 10 F IL

264 A 18 20 20 Heacock, Maria 8 F IL

264 A 19 20 20 Heacock, Hellen 6 F IL

264 A 20 20 20 Heacock, A. H. 5 M IL

264 A 21 20 20 Heacock, M. A. 3 F CA

264 A 24 20 20 Heacock, Jas 42 M MI

CALIFORNIA PIONEER REGISTER AND INDEX 1542 - 1848

page 183. . Hecox (Adna A.), 1846, nat. of Mich., b. 1806, and overland immig. with wife, Margaret M. Hamer, and 3 children. v. 529. Remaining at Sta Clara during the winter-that is, 'taking an active part in the war with Mexicans'-he went to the Sta Cruz region, where he built a saw-mill, and worked as carpenter and builder; went to the mines for a short time in '48; alcalde at Sta Cruz '48-9. v. 642; later justice of the peace; county treasurer '61-3; from '70 in charge of the Sta Cruz light-house till his death, in '83. He was a methodist, and one of the first who preached protestant sermons in Cal. v. 641. His narr. of his early life, overl. trip, and experience in Cal., was published in the S. Jos‚ Pioneer of '77, and was embodied by Willey in the Sta Cruz Co. Hist. His testimony on events connected with the 'war' in '46-7, like that of so many other immigrants, has little value. His widow survived him, with the following child.: Mrs M. E. Stampley of Carson, Nev., Mrs C. M. Brown of S.F., and Adna H. Hecox of S. Luis Ob., all pioneers of '46, and of those born in Cal. Mrs M. Longley of Sta Cruz, Mrs A. Rigg, Laura J., and Orville S. Portrait of Adna A. in Sta Cruz Hist., 44. He was an active and respectable man of business.

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Lt Col. Thomas, 1818-1906 (buried April 4) 84 Ill Vol Inf, Lot 119 1st Add.

[Brøderbund Family Archive #317, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected Counties, 1850, Date of Import: Apr 7, 1998, Internal Ref. #1.317.1.13618.198]

Individual: Hamer, Thomas

County/State: Fulton Co., IL

Location: Vermont

Page #: 091

Year: 1850

#9 #9

Thomas Hamer 32 m Merchant $2250 PA Just marr

Harriet E. Hamer 19 f NY Just marr

[Brøderbund Family Archive #318, Ed. 1, Census Index: U.S. Selected States/Counties, 1860, Date of Import: Sep 10, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.318.1.15272.181]

Individual: Hamer, Thomas

County/State: Fulton Co., IL

Location: Vermont

Page #: 296

Year: 1860

1870 Heritage Quest Index to the Illinois Census

HAMER, THOMAS 52 M W PA FULTON CO VERMONT TWP p291

1880 Census of Fulton County Illinois -- Vermont Town - 057-017, p 416 - 172-177

Hamer, Thomas w m 62 head mar Retired Dry Goods Merchant PA PA PA

Mariett w f 45 wife mar Keeping House NY NY NY

Le Ray w m 16 son sing Attending school IL PA NY (Most likely this is Thomas Ray, Jr)

1900 Census of Fulton County Illinis - Vermont Twp, p310 - 20-21

Hamer, Thomas Head w m June 1818 81 Wid 49 PA PA PA Retired

Amrine, Wylie Dau w f Apr 1857 43 m 21 5-4 IL PA NY ------

Amrine, Ansel Son in law w m Dec 1855 44 m 21 IL PA OH Farmer

LeClare H. Grandson w m Nov 1879 20 s IL IL IL School

Chauncy S. Grandson w m Feb 1881 19 s IL IL IL School

Thomas H. Grandson w m May 1883 17 s IL IL IL School

Herringshaw's Encyclopedia of American Biography of the Nineteenth Century.

page 441

HAMER, THOMAS, soldier, farmer, merchant, legislator, was born June 1, 1818, in Union county, Pa. He received his education at the Milton academy; and moved to Illinois in 1846. He served in the union army during the civil war as colonel of the eighty-fourth regiment Illinois volunteer infantry; was wounded at the battle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862; had two horses shot from under him; and was presented by his men with a gold watch for gallantry on the field of battle. He has held nearly all the minor offices in the gift of his town and county; represented his district for four years in the Illinois state legislature; and for eight years was a member of the state senate, his last term expiring on Jan. 1, 1897. He has retired from private and public service; and is an honored citizen of Vermont, Ill.

The History (1879) of Fulton County article about Thomas Ray Hamer calls into question James' connection to Thomas Hamer, Sr (b1730) since it calls James the father of James. However, the grandfather of Thomas Hamer is said to have been James Hamer, and would thus be James Hamer's (b1785) great grandfather. The date of birth of this James Hamer matches that found in the Thomas Hamer Bible. The census records show James Hamer in the county and township of Thomas Hamer in 1810; show him in Union County in 1820 where Thomas Ray was born, then back in Northumberland until moving to Illinois in 1846. This biographical note was written after James' death and could be erroneous since James was young (15 yrs old) when his father(?) Thomas died and family tradition could have mixed up the facts. The DAR records of Mrs. Nellie May Atherton also show Thomas Hamer as the father of James Hamer.

FROM PAGE 917-18 HISTORY OF FULTON CO, IL PUB PEORIA, CHAS C CHAPMAN AND CO 1879

"COL. THOMAS HAMER was born in Union Co, PA in 1818. His father, James HAMER, was b in 1785, also in PA, and he was the son of James HAMER, of

Scotland, who settled in Northumberland Co prior to the Revolutionary war, and was elected the first Sheriff of that county. He married ELIZABETH LYON and had 8 children, the eldest of whom was James. James H was a farmer, settled in Vermont, IL in 1845, and died there. He was a very generous man. COL THOMAS HAMER received a thorough education in his youth, besides being brought up at farm work; clerked in a drygoods and grocery store for several years; in 1847 was employed as clerk by Joab MERSHON for two years, then entered partnership with Jas A RUSSELL and Richard JOHNSON in the dry goods line, and prospered until the spring of 1851, when Jack MATHENY plundered the store and set fire to the building, entailing a total loss of $8,000. He was then in partnership with E&P HAMER until 1861, when the war broke out, and he organized Cos B and F, 84th ILL Inf, and was commissioned Major. He beat BRAGG in a race to Louisville, KY, and afterward was engaged in pursuit of the same rebel general in a race for Nashville; was wounded at the battle of Stone River, but next day after receiving the wound he commanded so valiantly that his men gave him a gold watch as a testimonial of his enthusiasm; his wound, however, compelled him to resign. He came home and finally recovered. In 1864 he entered mercantile business, which he followed until 1876, when he sold out to AYRES and WHITNEY. He has been Supervisor, and has been nominated three different times for the Legislature by the Republican party, drawing the full vote; has been delegate to every Republican county convention held since he came into the State; and was elected President of the Annual Army Reunion at Springfield. In 1850 he married Harriet E JOHNSON, daughter of Franklin JOHNSON, a native of NY. Has had 6 children: two are living now, namely, Wylie and Lee Ray.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Illinois. Chicago: Biographical Publ Co, c1890. p235-237. This later county history is more accurate than Chapman, 1879.

COL. THOMAS HAMER. On the opposite page is presented a lithographic portrait of this gentleman, who is one of the representative citizens and prominent residents of Fulton County. He has distinquished himself in various walks of life, both as a brave officer in the late war, a prominent civilian, an able statesman, and a successful man of business. He is an old settler of this section, and has long been influential in its political and social life, and has been a potent factor in advancing its commerce and agriculture, and its material interests generally. For many years a resident of Vermont, the Colonel is living in one of the most attractive homes of this beautiful village. He has retired from business, but is active in public life as State Senator, representing Fulton and Knox Counties in the General Assembly of Illinois.

Our subject is derived from fine Revolutionary stock, both his paternal and maternal grandparents having done good service in the struggle of American Colonists for freedom from the mother country. He was born in White Deer Township, Union County, Pa., June 1, 1818. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Seibert) Hamer, who were natives of Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Pa., respectively, his father having been born in March 1784, and his mother in February, 1786. The paternal grandparents, Thomas and Ellen (Lyon) Hamer, came from Scotland to this country prior to the Revolution and settled in Northumberland County, Pa., taking up their abode in Chillisquaque Township on a large tract of land.

Thomas Hamer became a prominent man in those parts. He was the first sheriff of Northumberland County, and served in the Revolution as Captain under Gen. Greene, and filled various offices. He was the father of the following children: James, Thomas, William, Joseph, Jesse, Abraham, John, Elizabeth, Nancy, and Wyllie, all of whom married and reared families, having settled in various states. William moved to Brown County, Ohio. He had a son, Thomas L. Hamer, who became a prominent attorney, and commanded an Ohio Brigade as Brigadier General in the Mexican War. He represented his district in Congress and appointed Gen. Grant to West Point. His brilliant career was cut short at the end of the Mexican War by his untimely death at the age of forty-five, at Ft. Brown, Texas.

The maternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Elizabeth (Gilbert) Seibert, who came to this country from Prussia in Colonial times, and located in Union County, Pa. He was a farmer by occupation. In the struggle of the Colonists for independence he gave his services to his adopted country and was a good soldier during the Revolution. His children were: John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Sarah and Christina.

The father of our subject served in the War of 1812 in the company of his brother, Capt. Thomas Hamer, and was afterward Captain of a militia regiment. He was married in Union county, Pa., and in the fall of 1846 with his family emigrated to Illinois, traveling from Pittsburg by boat to St. Louis, whence they made their way with a wagon to Vermont. The father located in this township on eighty acres of land on section 19, resided there until three years of his death, in the summer of 1871. His wife preceded him to the other shore, dying in the winter of 1870 in Vermont Village. They were devoted Christians, and while they lived in Pennsylvania were members of the Baptist Church, but after coming to Illiois they united with the Christian Church, and remained true to that faith. Mr. and Mrs. Hamer were parents of the following nine children: James, who came to Ogle County, Ill., in 1844; Margaret; Ellen, who died in Pennsylvania; Thomas; Joseph; John; Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Doebler; Sarah, the wife of Benjamin Swartz, and Samuel, who died in 1851. Margaret is the wife of the Rev. Adnah A. Hecox, a prominent Methodist minister of California. She keeps the light-house at Santa Cruz, Cal., having been appointed to that position by Abraham Lincoln.

Col. Thomas Hamer passed the early years of his life on his father's farm, and was given the advantages of a substantial education in the English branches at Wilton [Milton] Academy. At the age of sixteen he entered upon a practical training for a mercantile career by becoming clerk in a store, and he was thus engaged in his native State until he came to Illinois, when he acted in a like capacity for Joab Mershon, of Vermont, remaining with him two years. He established himself in business in 1850, and carried it on successfully until 1861, when he sold it to his cousins, Edward and Patterson Hamer. He subsequently devoted himself to his country and patriotically gave his services for the defense of the dear old flag.

With characteristic energy, and a military fervor inherited from his ancestors, our subject set about the work of aiding to raise a regiment for the service, and was prominent in enlisting and equipping the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, commanded by Col. Lewis H. Waters, and was himself appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment by Gov. Yates. He proved to be a most courageous and efficient officer; his military career was brought to a close, however, at the battle of Stone River, as he was there so wounded and disabled that he was rendered unfit for further service. He had three horses shot under him while leading his men to charge the enemy, and in the thickest of the fight he was wounded in his left breast, had his left shoulder broken and his right knee injured. Notwithstanding the serious injuries he sustained that day, the gallant and determined Colonel appeared on the field the next day and assumed the command of his men. They were so delighted at the heroism and fortitude displayed by their valiant leader that they gave him a gold watch as a testimonial of their admiration of his conduct. He was obliged to resign his commission after that on account of his physical condition, and after the battle of Chickamauga he was honorably discharged from the army.

In connection with the military life of our subject we will add the following incident, gleaned from an article in the Chicago "Inter Ocean", of his early career, relating "How and Why Fulton County's Industrious Legislator Failed to Become a West Pointer". Young Hamer entered the office of his cousin, Congressman Thomas L. Hamer, in Ohio, after he left his home in the Keystone State, and while there a vacancy occurred at West Point, which it was his cousin's privilege to fill, and he suggested to his young relative that he become a cadet at the famous military school. Our subject gladly availed himself of the opportunity thus offered to gain a military education, and laid aside his law books and went to Washington. His commission was made out and he was waiting to go where he was to receive several months preliminary training, when his cousin came to him one day and said: "Tom, this arrangement I made for you to go to West Point is all spoiled. Here's a letter I just got from Jesse Grant asking me to appoint his son. Now Grant is an influential man in my district out in Ohio. The district is very close. I want his influence, but I don't want any charge of nepotism brought against me. I want to have Grant's influence, so, Tom, I'll have to withdraw your name and get Grant's son appointed in your place." Our subject could do nothing better than to gracefully yield the point and withdraw, which he did. General Grant never forgot the Hamers and during his Presidency when his influence was asked to have the Colonel's son Le Ray appointed to West Point, he promptly and cheerfully preferred the request for his appointment, which was concurred in by Secretary Lincoln. Much to our subject's disappointment his son finally decided not to accept the appointment, but the General's kindly offices in the matter have never been forgotten.

After his return from the South our subject was unable to get out for six months, but as soon as he recovered sufficiently he resumed business, built a fine store and carried on a large and profitable trade until 1878, when he leased his building, sold his business, and retired. He also managed a farm of eighty acres besides attending to his other affairs. Col. Hamer has been a conspicuous figure in the public and political life of town and county from early days. He has represented Vermont as a member of the County Board of Supervisors four terms, and has held various local offices. He has been a delegate to nearly every State Convention since he came to Illinois, first as a Whig, and after the formation of the Republican Party as its representative. In 1848 the Whigs nominated him for the Lower House of the Legislature, and although he had a Democratic majority of nine hundred to overcome, he came within three votes of being elected. In 1852 he was again nominated, and this time was elected, but was counted out. He was prominently mentioned as a candidate for Congress, and was urged by his friends to accept the nomination, but declined and used his influence for Gen. Post. In the fall of 1886 the Colonel was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature, and so acceptably did he serve in that capacity, that he was elected to the State Senate in 1888 to represent Fulton and Knox Counties in that honorable body, of which he is still a member. His long experience as a business man and as a politician has been of value to him in his legislative career, and his course as a statesman has justified his selection as Representative and as State Senator by his constituents.

As a member of various important committees ... [Paragraph skipped.]

Col. Hamer has been a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for forty-eight years, and originated the Vermont lodge, and he has been connected with the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons for thirty years. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife belongs to the Universalist Church. He is popular with all with whom he associates. He is gifted with a frank, generous nature, is a lover of fun, and is a witty and entertaining conversationalist. He has gathered a never ending fund of anecdotes, and is never more interesting than when he is relating some story of his experiences of the war, of life in camp and on the battlefield.

Our subject has been twice married. March 25, 1850, his union with Miss Harriet E. Johnson was solemnized. She was the daughter of Franklin and Hopy (King) Johnson, who came to this State from Herkimer County, N.Y., and were early settlers of Vermont, where Mr. Johnson was a pioneer druggist. Seven children were born to our subject by that marriage, of whom four boys died when from two to four years of age, and one daughter at the age of six years. The children living are: Wyllie, wife of Ansel Amrine; and Le Ray. The latter is States Attorney at Oklahoma. He is well educated, a graduate of Abingdon College and Bloomington Law School. He stands high in business and political circles, and is an orator of ability. Mrs. Hamer departed this life April 13, 1871, at the age of forty years, leaving behind her a good record as wife, mother, and friend. She was a sincere Christian. In early life, with her husband she was a member of the Congregational Church, but the exigencies of the war broke up that church, so many of its members were removed, and she afterward connected herself with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The marriage of our subject to his present wife, formerly Miss Maryette Johnson, a sister of his first wife, was consummated August 10, 1876, and has been productive of mutual happiness.

COLONEL HAMER DEAD

Prominent Pioneer, Successful Business Man and Politician

Gone to His Reward Dies at Home of His Son, Col. T.R. Hamer, St. Anthony, Idaho Aged 87 years, 9 months, 28 days. Our little village was greatly shocked Saturday morning when messages were received by relatives and friends announcing the sad news of the death of Col. Thomas Hamer of St. Anthony, Idaho. He died at the home of his son, Col. T.R. Hamer, of that city, Friday afternoon, March 30, 1906, at the ripe old age of 87 years, 9 months, and 28 days. Col. Thomas Hamer was born in White Deer Township, Union County, Pennsylvania, June 1, 1818. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Seibert) Hamer, who were natives of Northumberland and Lancaster counties, Pennnsylvania, respectively, who with their family emigrating to Illinois in the fall of 1846, traveling from Pittsburg by boat to St. Louis, whence they made their way with a wagon to Vermont, where they located on 80 acres of land on section 19. Mr. & Mrs. James Hamer were the parents of the following children: James, Margaret, Ellen, Thomas, Joseph, John, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Samuel, of whom four are still living: Margaret Hecox, of Santa Cruz, California; Joseph who is now in Canton, Illinois; Elizabeth Deobler and Sarah Swartz, of this city.

[Paragraphs from Portrait and Biographical Album (1890) are included in the obituary, but here omitted.] Col. Hamer was a faithful member of the Christian Church of this city. He was twice married. March 25, 1850, the union with Miss Harriet E. Johnson was solemnized. She was the daughter of Franklin and Hopy (King) Johnson who came to this state from Herkimar County, New York, and were early settlers of Vermont, where Mr. Johnson was a pioneer druggist. Seven children were born by that marriage, of which four boys died when from two to four years of age, and one daughter died at six years of age. The children living are Wyllie, wife of Ansel Amrine, of this city, and Col. T.R. Hamer of St. Anthony, Idaho. Mrs. Hamer departed this life April 13, 1871, at the age of forty years. [Quote from Portrait and Biographical Album follows, but omitted here.] On August 10, 1876, Col. Hamer was joined in marriage to Miss Maryette Johnson, sister of his first wife [Quote from Album omitted here.] Mrs. Col. Hamer departed this life March 21, 1900. Besides the two children, Col. T.R. Hamer, of St Anthony, and Mrs. Wyllie Amrine of this city, and brothers and sisters, Col. Hamer leaves to mourn his death five grandchildren: LeClare Amrine of Monmouth, Chauncy and Tom Amrine of this city, and Bessie and Consuelo Hamer of St. Anthony, Idaho. A funeral service was conducted in St. Anthony by the Masonic Lodge, and was one of the largest ever held in that city. Then the remains, accompanied by his son, Ray, was [sic] brought to Vermont, arriving here on the noon train Tuesday, and taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wylie Amrine. The funeral was held from the Christian Church Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock and was attended by a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends. The sermon by Eld. G. W. Ross was one of the best funeral discourses ever delivered here. After a last, sad look at Col. Hamer's earthly body, the remains were conveyed to the village cemetery, where the Masons laid him to rest with Masonic ceremonies.

Burial: April 03, 1906, Fulton County, Illinois (Vermont Cemetery)

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Harriet E., Wife, 1830-1871, Lot 119 1st Add.

Burial: 1871, Fulton County, Illinois (Vermont Cemetery)

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Maryette, Wife of Thomas, 1833-1900 (buried Mar. 21) Lt 119 1st Add.

Marriage Index: Illinois, 1851-1900, FTM Archive CD# 250

Hamer, Thomas Spouse : Johnson, Maryette

Marriage date : Aug 10, 1876

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Joseph Sr., Jan. 20, 1820, Sept. 5, 1909 (Lot 120 1st Add.)

[Broderbund Family Archive #305, Census Microfilm Records: PA, 1850, Disk 7, Date of Import: Sep 3, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.305.1.61681.40]

Individual: Hammer, Joseph

Year: 1850

State: PA

County: Northumberland

Location: Turbut Township

National Archives Series Number: M432

National Archives Microfilm Number: 804

Census Page Number: 51

134-135

Joseph Hammer 28 m Labourer PA

Rebecca Hammer 26 f PA

Hannah E. Hammer 5 f PA At School

Simon F. Hammer 3 m PA

Catharine J. Hammer 1 f PA

1870 ILLINOIS Family Quest Census Index (Misspelled Harner)

HAMER JOSEPH 50 M W PA FULTON CO VERMONT TWP 223 278

1880 Soundex Index to the Illinois Census

Hamer, Joseph w m 60 PA Fulton Co Vermont Twp 057-002

Rebecca Wife 56 PA

Charles Son 21 IL

Annah R. Daughter 17 IL

Margaret D. Daughter 15 IL

Lucy M. Daughter 12 IL

Nettie L. Daughter 10 IL

1880 Census of Fulton County Illinois - Vermont Town - 057-002 p 408

14-16

Hamer, Joseph w m 60 head mar Farmer PA PA PA

Rebecca w f 56 wife mar Keeping house PA PA PA

Charles w m 21 son sing Worker on farm IL PA PA

Annah R. w f 17 dau sing IL PA PA

Margaret D. w f 15 dau sing Attending school IL PA PA

Lucy M. w f 12 dau sing Attending school IL PA PA

Nettie L. w f 10 dau sing Attending school IL PA PA

1900 Census of Fulton County Illinois - Vermont Village, p310 - 2-2

Hamer, Joseph Head w m Jan 1820 80 Wid 57 PA PA PA Farmer

Ann R. Daughter w f Oct 1864 30 Sing IL PA PA Servant

Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Chicago: Floyd, 1901. Page 891.

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Tony Rebuck.Tar2@psu.edu

Simon Follmer, son of Adam, born Sept. 12, 1799, died Dec. 15, 1852. His first wife, Hannah Reinard, born Feb. 8, 1804, died Dec. 31, 1834: his second, Rebecca Kohler, born May 1, 1813, died May 25, 1867. He was the father of thirteen children, five by the first marriage, eight by the second: (1) Rebecca, born Nov. 15, 1824, married Joseph Hamer, born Jan. 18, 1820, and was the mother of eleven children, Hannah E. (born April 18, 1845, married Thomas Mercer and had Clara L., Clarence, Frank Rebecca, Otis, Dora, Joseph, Hart and Zora) Simon F. (born July 14, 1847, married Margaret J. Schrerer, born May 2, 1855,, and had Mary R. Daisy E., Frank S., Fred F. and Dolly G.), Catharine J., Harriet E. (born Aug 9, 1852 married William J. McHenry, born Dec. 10 1849, and had William O., Margaret, Edward F., Joseph S., Bessie R. and Charles A.), James A., Joseph, Charles W., Margaret D., Lucy M., Anna R. (married John Ganville and had Mary R., Samuel J., Alva C. and Lizzie M.), and Nellie L. (2) Mary Ann died young. (3) Susanna M. married William Follmer, who is mentioned later in this article. (4) Margaret, born June 3, 1831, married Miner Gulich Marsh, born April 9, 1824, and they had three children: Spencer Follmer, born May 18, 185_, who died June 7, 185-; Charles Newton, born June 25, 1858; and Harriet Clementine, born Nov. 7, 1861, who married Charles Moll. (5) Catharine, born April 23, 1834, died Jan. 1, 1857, and is buried in the old cemetery at Milton. (6) Daniel K. (7) Mary Emma, born Oct. 19, 1837, died Feb. 2, 1842, and is buried in the old cemetery at Milton. (8) Samuel H. (9) Amelia C. (10) Louisa J. (11) Barbara S. (12) Martin L. died young. (13) Clara M. .

Old Resident Dead. Joseph Hamer Sr. Passed Away Sunday. One of Oldest Citizens in County. Joseph Hamer, one of the old pioneers of Vermont, died at the home of his son-in-law, T.M. Mercer, Canton, Ill. at 3:45 o'clock Sunday afternoon in his ninetieth year [September 5, 1909]. Death was due principally to kidney trouble, complicated with the natural infirmities of advanced age, and followed several months of poor health. Mr. Hamer was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1820, and was there married to Miss Rebecca Foolmer [sic], whose death occurred at Vermont, in May 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Hamer came to Vermont from Pennsylvania in 1850 and continued to reside in this neighborhood ever since. During these years the greater portion of his time was spent in farming. Four or five years before the death of his wife, he moved to Vermont. After Mrs. Hamer's death he made his home for a time with his son, S.F. Hamer of this city, but of later years with his daughter, Mrs. T.M. Mercer, of Canton. Of a family of 11 children, two sons and four daughters survive. They are: Simon F. and Joseph H. Hamer, Mrs. Anna Gamill and Mrs. Maggie Hamm of Vermont, Mrs. Elizabeth Mercer of Canton and Mrs. Emma McHendry, residing near Good Hope. Two sons and three daughters are dead. Other near relatives living are two sisters: Mrs Sarah Swartz and Mrs. Elizabeth Deobler, both residents of Vermont. One of Mr. Hamer's brothers was Col. Thomas Hamer, who achieved an enviable record in the Civil War, and whose death occurred March 20, 1906. Joseph Hamer was one of the oldest men in Futon County and during his long residence therein he gained the undivided esteem of all who knew him ...

Burial: Aft. September 05, 1909, Vermont Cemetery, Fulton County, Illinois

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Rebecca, Wife, Nov. 15, 1824, May 15, 1900 (Lot 120 1st Add.)

Burial: May 1900, Vermont Cemetery, Fulton County, Illinois

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Deobler, Elizabeth, 1823-1922, d. Dec. 17, 99y 1m 7d. Old section (8-10)

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery. Old Section 8-11

Deobler, Samuel, 1819-1907, d. Nov 15, 88y 6m 4d.

[Broderbund Family Archive #301, Census Microfilm Records: Illinois, 1850, Disk 2, Date of Import: Aug 17, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.301.1.22146.49]

Individual: Deabler, Samuel

Year: 1850

State: Illinois

County: Fulton

Location: Vermont

National Archives Series Number: M432

National Archives Microfilm Number: 107

Census Page Number: 91

10-10

Samuel M. Deobler 31 m Tailor PA

Elizabeth 26 f PA

Thomas H. 6 m PA

Reuben Walker 19 m Tailor OH

Judge Durham 14 m OH

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery. Lot 84 1st Addition.

Swartz, Sarah J., Feb. 22, 1825; Oct. 7, 1912.

Mrs. Nellie May Atherton.

DAR ID Number: 107135

Born in Fulton County, Ill.

Wife of F. W. Atherton.

Descendant of Thomas Hamer, as follows:

1. George Swartz (b. 1853) m. 1874 Emma Worsdell (b. 1854).

2. Benjamin Swartz (1821-75) m. 1845 Sarah Hamer (1826-1912).

3. James Hamer (1786-1872) m. Elizabeth Siebert (1786-1870).

4. Thomas Hamer m. 1765 Eleanor Lyons (b. 1750).

Thomas Hamer served as a private in Captain Barber's company, Colonel Robinson's Pennsylvania Rangers. He was born 1730 in England; died in Pennsylvania.

Also No. 103166.

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery. Lot 84 1st Addition.

Swartz, Benjamin, Dec. 29, 1822; Nov. 27, 1875.

[Broderbund Family Archive #301, Census Microfilm Records: Illinois, 1850, Disk 2, Date of Import: Aug 17, 1999, Internal Ref. #1.301.1.25179.13]

Individual: Swartz, Benjamin

Year: 1850

State: Illinois

County: Fulton

Location: Vermont

National Archives Series Number: M432

National Archives Microfilm Number: 107

Census Page Number: 92

18-18

Benjamin Swartz 27 m Chairmaker PA

Sarah 24 f PA

John H. 1 m IL

From a short unpublished autobiographical note of Catherine Hecox: "His first wife was a French "lady"? Her name was "Katherine Manausaw." Of course the last name is spelled wrong. My mother taught my father how to spell. My father was born January 26, 1806, and K.M. was born September 11, 1806. My father joined the Catholic Church in order to marry K.M. but was never a Catholic. There were no children. After her death my father met my mother who was with a friend in Michigan. My mother was very lonely and wished to return to her family in Pennsylvania. My father promised to take her back if she would marry him.They were married and my father did not keep his promise and that caused lasting unhappiness."

Adna Hecox Bible Records

William P. Tilden and Catherine M. Hecox was married February 3rd, 1858.

Albert Brown

Birth: ca 1833, Lancaster Co, PA?

Death: 12 Apr 1919

Portrait, Soldiers of the Overland. Grabhorn Press. Fred B. Rogers. p. 176

letter from CMTB to DT 1/24/88 says Capt Brown is growng more and more

unwilling to support those who have no claim upon him.

Was a farmer and attending school in 1850. Eldest son.

Spouse: Catherine Maria Hecox

Birth: 23 Mar 1841, Apple Valley, Jo Daviess County, Illinois

Death: 4 May 1934, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co., CA

Father: Adna Andress Hecox (1806-1883)

Mother: Margaret Marie Hamer (1815-1908)

Marr: 12 Apr 1874, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co., CA?

Children: Aaron Hamer (1877-)

Albert Webster "Bert" (1875-)

"Tot"

Adna A. Hecox Family Bible Records

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Amrine, Wyllie (Hamer), 1857-1942. Lot 211 2nd Addition.

Burial: 1942, Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois (City Cemetery)

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Amrine, Ansel, 1855-1934, d. Sept 28, Lot 211 2nd Addition.

Burial: 1934, Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois (City Cemetery)

Hamer, Wyllie Spouse : Amerine, Ansel

Marriage date : Mar 27, 1879

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Col. Thomas Ray, 1864-1951, U.S. Army, Lot 119 1st Add

Hamer, Blanche (Kirkbride), Wife of Thomas Ray Hamer, 1868-1961. Lot 119 1st Addition.

"Hamer and other Nearby Communities" by Wm. Stibal Petite, an article in the local paper from Hamer, Idaho. The community of Hamer was named in honor of Col. Thomas R. Hamer in 1909. Col. Hamer, a Spanish American War veteran, was serving as a United States Representative from this area and was closely associated with Dubois and Patrie in the Silver-Republican movement, as well as in Masonic work. Prior to his election to Congress he served as an associate justice of the Philippine Supreme Court for a brief term. A native of Vermont, Illinois, he moved to St. Anthony to practice law and later operated banks at Roberts, St. Anthony and Boise. After the Dubois movement wanned he moved to Oregon where he served as an attorney. Hamer was knowns as an authority on homestead and land laws and served a term as Federal Land Administrator for Idaho, with an office at Blackfoot. He died in 1951 at Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 87. At his request his ashes were taken to his birthplace for burial.

HAMER, Thomas Ray, 1864-1950 (Biographical Dictionary of Congress)

HAMER, Thomas Ray, (nephew of Thomas Lyon Hamer), a Representative from Idaho; born in Vermont, Fulton County, Ill., May 4, 1864; attended the public schools, Hedding College, and Bloomington Law School; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in St. Anthony, Idaho, in 1893; engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fremont County, Idaho; member of the State house of representatives in 1896; enlisted in April 1898 as a private in the First Regiment, Idaho Volunteer Infantry and served as captain and lieutenant colonel in the Philippines; Military Governor of the island of Cebu; associate justice of the supreme court of the Philippine Islands; returned to St. Anthony, Idaho in 1901; delegate to the Republican State conventions in 1908 and 1912; elected as a Republican to the Sixty-first Congress (March 4, 1909-March 3, 1911); unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1910; resumed the practice of law in St. Anthony, Idaho; engaged in banking at St. Anthony and Boise, Idaho, 1912-1921; served as major and lieutenant colonel, Judge Advocate General’s Department, during the First World War; reengaged in the practice of law at Portland, Oreg., until 1943, when he retired and moved to Los Angeles, Calif.; died in Phoenix, Ariz., December 22, 1950; interment in Greenwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles. (Ashes to Vermont, Illinois.)

Moved to St Anthony, Fremont County, Idaho in 1893.

Moved to Portland, Oregon in 1921.

Moved to Los Angeles upon retirement.

Family history states he and wife were buried in Greenwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles. [The history notes state they are buried in Los Angeles, but there are gravestones in Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois. Lot 119, where their ashes were interred.]

Military record: Spanish American War, Idaho Volunteer Infantry, Pvt then Col.

Wounded at Battle of Caloocan in Philippines in 1899.

Military governor and associate Justice of Philippines.

State representative of Idaho, 1896.

US representative of Idaho, 1908.

Banking business 1911.

Lawyer 1921-1943 in Portland, Oregon.

Herringshaw's Encyclopedia of American Biography of the Nineteenth Century.

Addenda page xlvi

HAMER, THOMAS R., soldier, lawyer, legislator, was born May 4, 1864, in Vermont, Ill. He was elected to the state legislature of Idaho from Fremont county. During the Spanish-American war he raised a company of infantry, and was commissioned captain. While serving in the Philippine Islands he was appointed provost judge in Manila. He was wounded at the battle of Coloocan; was commissioned lieutenant-colonel; and is now military governor of the island of Cebu.

U.S. Army Historical Register, 1789-1903, Vol. 2

Alphabetical List of Officers of the Regular Army (From Its Organization, September 29, 1789, to 1903) Who Were Killed or Wounded in Action or Taken Prisoner, With Date and Place.

page 218

Hamer, Thomas R., lt col 1 Idaho inf; lt col 37 U S inf.

Idaho State Historical Society

Thomas Ray Hamer, born in Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois, May 4, 1864; attended the public schools, Hedding College, and Bloomington Law School; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in St. Anthony, Idaho; engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fremont County, Idaho; member of the State house of representatives in 1896; enlisted in April 1898 as a private in the First Regiment, Idaho volunteer Infantry, during the war with Spain; served as captain and lieutenant colonel in that regiment and was wounded at the Battle of Caloocan, Philippine Islands, February 11, 1899; Military Governor of the island of Cebu; associate justice of the supreme court of the Philippine Islands; mustered out at San Francisco, California, as lieutenant colonel of the Thirty-seventh Regiment, United States volunteer Infantry, on May 27, 1901, when he returned to St. Anthony, Idaho; delegate to the Republican State conventions in 1908 and 1912; elected as a Republican to the Sixty-first Congress (March 4, 1909-March 3, 1911); unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1910; resumed the practice of law in St. Anthony, Idaho; engaged in banking at St. Anthony and Boise, Idaho, 1912-1921; served as major and lieutenant colonel, Judge Advocate General's Department, during the First World War; reengaged in the practice of law at Portland, Oregon, until 1943, when he retired and moved to Los Angeles, California; died in a rest home at Phoenix, Arizona, December 32, 1950; interment in Greenwood Memorial Park. (Ashes moved to Vermont, Illinois.)

1880 Census of Fulton County Illinois -- Vermont Town - 057-017, p 416 - 172-177

Hamer, Thomas w m 62 head mar Retired Dry Goods Merchant PA PA PA

Mariett w f 45 wife mar Keeping House NY NY NY

Le Ray w m 16 son sing Attending school IL PA NY (Most likely this is Thomas Ray, Jr)

1910 Census of Fremont County Idaho - St Anthony City, p269

Hamer, Thomas R. Head m w 45 m1 18 2 2 IL PA NY Lawyer & Congressman

Blanche K. Wife f w 38 m1 18 2 2 IL WV NY

Elizabeth M. Dau f w 17 s 0 0 0 IL IL IL

Consuela B. Dau f w 6 s 0 0 0 IL IL IL

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery. Hamer, Blanche (Kirkbride), Wife of Thomas Ray Hamer, 1868-1961. Lot 119 1st Addition.

Hamer, Ray Spouse : Kirkbride, Blanche

Marriage date : Jul 9, 1891

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL

1900 Census of Fulton County Illinois - Canton City - 010-013 - p347 - 214 James? Street - 296-305

Mercer, Thomas M. head w m Sep 1840 59 Mar38 OH PA PA Carpenter

Hanna E. wife w f Apr 1844 56 Mar38 9-7 PA PA PA

Frank son w m Apr 1869 31 sing IL OH PA Carpenter

Otis A. son w m Mar 1873 27 Mar2yrs IL OH PA Carpenter

Joseph H. son w m Dec 1880 19 sing IL OH PA At school

Hart son w m Mar 1883 17 sing IL OH PA At school

Lora M. dau w f May 1885 15 sing IL OH PA At school

Mary B. dau in law w f Jul 1875 24 Mar2yrs 1-1 IL IL IL

Everet A. grandson w m Jul 1898 1 sing TX IL IL

Marriage Index: Illinois, 1851-1900

Broderbund FTM CD # 250

Mercer, Thomas M. Spouse : Hamer, Hanna E.

Marriage date : Sep 21, 1862

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Simon F., 1847-1930, Lot 154 2nd Add.

1880 Soundex Index to Illinois Census

Hamer, S.F. w m 32 PA Fulton Co. Astoria Twp. 029-020

Mary Jane Wife 25 DEL

Mary R. Daughter 5 IL

Dasie E. Daughter 4 IL

Frank S. Son 2 IL

Fred F. Son 11/12 IL

Scherer, Maggie B. Sister in Law 16 IL

Burial: 1930, Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Mary Jane, 1856-1928 (d. Feb. 17) Lot 154 2nd add.

Burial: 1928, Vermont, Fulton County, Illinois

Hamer, Simon F. Spouse : Scherrer, Mary J.

Marriage date : Nov 2, 1873

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Township. Washington, IL, 1981. Lot 216 Bogue Addition. Vermont Cemetery.

McHendry, H. Emma (Hamer), 1852-1924.

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Township. Washington, IL, 1981. Lot 216 Bogue Addition

McHendry, Wm. Jackson, 1849-1927, (d.July10)

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

Hamer, Charles W., Husband of Alice Hamer, d. Dec. 29, 1892, 33y 6m (Lot 120 1st Addition)

Hamer, Charles Spouse : Walters, Alice

Marriage date : Oct 24, 1888

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL

Mrs. Nellie May Atherton.

DAR ID Number: 107135

Born in Fulton County, Ill.

Wife of F. W. Atherton.

Descendant of Thomas Hamer, as follows:

1. George Swartz (b. 1853) m. 1874 Emma Worsdell (b. 1854).

2. Benjamin Swartz (1821-75) m. 1845 Sarah Hamer (1826-1912).

3. James Hamer (1786-1872) m. Elizabeth Siebert (1786-1870).

4. Thomas Hamer m. 1765 Eleanor Lyons (b. 1750).

Thomas Hamer served as a private in Captain Barber's company, Colonel Robinson's Pennsylvania Rangers. He was born 1730 in England; died in Pennsylvania.

Also No. 103166.

Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois, Vol. 6, Vermont Twp. Washington, Ill., 1981. Vermont Cemetery.

"In memory of Thomas Hamer Amrine, Wife Ella Marshall, daughter Shirley; earthquake victims Yokohama, Japan, Sept. 1, 1923; buried Tokyo, Japan."

Burial: Aft. September 21, 1923, Tokyo, Japan

Cause of Death: Earthquake victim.

Burial: Aft. September 21, 1923, Tokyo, Japan

Marriage Index: Illinois, 1851-1900

Mercer, Otis Spouse : Wells, M. Belle

Marriage date : Oct 14, 1897

County : Fulton

Gender : Male

Source : County Court Records located at Lewistown, IL