Dr. James Hamilton a compassionate leader of the community. 1891 Graduated from the University of Vermont Medical School and was distinguished and excelled with regards to Military Science and tactics. He then graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore, MD. 

He served in the Spanish American War as a surgeon. 

1914 elected Commander of the Vermont Spanish American War Veterans (Teddy Roosevelt Chapter).

1914 Vermont Medical Sorient Executive Board And 1915 became secretary of the board.

1915 Elected to the Rutland School Board.

1918 WWI serving in the Medical Unit Reserve Component stationed at Ft Williams, Maine. RNk Captain. 6/29/1918-1/22/1919.

1918 Elected Treasurer and District Surgeon of the New England Association of Railroad Surgeons.

 

1921 Elected as the President of Rutland Hospital physicians association.

 

1924 Volunteered as physician to provide free examinations, immunizations etc to all men in the  area that were entering the “Citizens Military Training Camps”.

 

1924 Speaking campaign to Rutland High School students regarding Patriotism and its importance. 

 

1925 Elected Rutland Post #31 Commander 

 

1926 Rutland Post #31 Publicity Officer and member of the Executive Board.

 

1926 As Post Membership Officer he increased membership to 181 members making Rutland Post #31 the largest post in the state of Vermont.

 

1926-27 During the Department Convention, Past Dept. Commander Bert Hyland gave an inspiring nomination speech in support of Dr. Hamilton for State Commander. The vote was close, however Post #31 voted in a unanimous block of 14 delegates and Dr Hamilton defeated George Gonneville of St. Johsbury by 82-70. Dr Hamilton became Department Commander and appointed Jack Crowley from Post #31 as his adjutant. 

 

1927 Volunteered to provide free examinations for all veterans in the area to get war risk insurance policies. These veterans were previously unable to apply due to the costs of the exams. Dr Hamilton assisted all veterans with compassion. 

 

1927 As Department Commander he financially managed the Department and pulled them out of debt for the first time in many years. All this while facing the 1927 flood victims and families that financially devastated the State of Vermont.

 

1928 Republican candidate for City Representative, do not believe he won the election. 

 

1928 Began a campaign to provide awards to children that exemplified good character, leadership and scholarship. 

 

1930 President of Vermont Society of Sons of The American Revolutionary War.

 

1930 Dr Hamilton suffered a heart attack. He was bed ridden. However, the caring veterans from Post #31 rallied around and met at his home for a Past Commanders photo and meeting. 

 

1932 Dr Hamilton makes plans to move to Los Angeles. Poor health, the Post #31 members provide a testimonial to his service to The community, state and nation. He is presented with Life membership in the Past Commanders club. Emotional response by Dr Hamilton that he will always have a special place in his heart for Post #31 and the veterans of Vermont.

 

1939 dies at the  age of 71. He was a long time resident 52 Grove St Rutland. Loved and cared for by a multitude of community children, families, veterans and professionals. He was also a long time member of the Trinity Episcopal Church of Rutland. He is buried in Glendale, LOs Angeles, California at the Grand View Memorial Park and Crematory. 

 

 

 

 

 

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