John Taylor HAMILTON, Congress, IA (1843-1925)

HAMILTON, John Taylor, a Representative from Iowa; born near Geneseo, Henry County, Ill., October 16, 1843; attended the common schools and the Geneseo Academy; moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1868 and engaged in the wholesale farm-implement and seed business; mayor of Cedar Rapids in 1878; member of the Linn County Board of Supervisors 1882-1884; president of Cedar Rapids Savings Bank and director of the electric light company; member of the State house of representatives 1885-1891 and served as speaker for one term; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-second Congress (March 4, 1891-March 3, 1893); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1892 to the Fifty-third Congress; resumed his former business pursuits in Cedar Rapids; member of the board of control of State institutions; unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Iowa in 1914; died in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, January 25, 1925; interment in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present