Tranquilino Luna (1849-1892), Tranquilino Labadie (1854-1913)

Portrait courtesy of the Library of Congress.

  A leading Republican political figure residing in New Mexico in the late 19th century, Tranquilino Luna was a scion of a leading political family in Las Lunas, a town that had received its name in honor of his family. As the son of affluent Valencia County rancher and stock-raiser Antonio Jose Luna, Tranquilino Luna attended college in Missouri and after several years of successful merchandising and stock-raising in his home county turned to politics, being elected as New Mexico's territorial delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1880. Luna would lose his congressional seat due to a contested election in early 1884 but was not through politically, as he went on to serve as a delegate to the 1888 Republican National Convention and occupied the office of sheriff of Valencia County.

  Born in Los Lunas on June 29, 1849, Tranquilino Luna was one of nine children born to Antonio Jose Luna and the former Isabella Baca. It can safely be said that political service ran deep in the Luna family, with Tranquilino's father serving as Probate Judge for Valencia County and his brothers Solomon and Jesus serving as respective members of the Republican National Committee and Sheriff of Valencia County. A student in the public schools of Valencia County, Luna went on to attend the Saint Michael's College in Santa Fe and later studied at the University of Missouri at Columbia, graduating at an unknown date.

  Luna married at age eighteen to Amalia Jaramillo (1853-1888), with who he had one son, Maximiliano (1870-1899). Maximiliano Luna would follow his father into politics, serving two terms in the Mexico Territorial Legislature, including one as speaker of the house. A member of the "Rough Riders" during the Spanish American War, Luna saw action at San Juan Hill and later lost his life in the Philippines in November 1899, drowning while crossing the River Agno on Luzon Island.

  Through the 1870s Luna established himself as a leading stockman in his area and began treading the political waters when he was elected as the vice president of the Valencia County Republican Convention in June 1875. In 1878 his name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for New Mexico's delegate to Congress but bowed out of the contest, throwing his support to Mariano Otero, the nephew of powerful territorial political leader Miguel Antonio Otero (1829-1882).

  In June 1880 Tranquilino Luna served as part of the New Mexican delegation to the Republican National Convention in Chicago where James Garfield was nominated for the Presidency. Following his service, Luna's name was again brought forth as a candidate for delegate to Congress at the New Mexico Republican state convention in August 1880. After accepting the nomination, Luna faced off that November against Miguel Otero, who had represented the territory three times in Congress and was a former acting governor of the territory. Throughout the campaign, both candidate's supporters slung mud at one another in the press, but on election day in November, it was Luna who won out, polling 10, 835 votes to Otero's 9, 562. News of Luna's congressional win made it as far as Massachusetts, where, in November 1880, his curious name and heritage received a backhanded compliment in the Boston Post, which noted:

"Tranquilino Luna, which is the Mexican for Tranquil Moon, is the delegate elect to Congress from New Mexico. We would remark that the moon is about the only thing that can be tranquil in New Mexico, as it is beyond the reach of fleas."

From the Boston Post, November 20, 1880.

  After journeying to Washington, D.C., Luna took his seat and was named to the committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures. He would return to his home in Los Lunas for a visit in March 1881 and, during an interview with the Las Vegas Morning Gazette, spoke of his meeting with President Garfield as well as his own work to improve the postal service in the territory. Due to Luna's efforts, a "secured" mail route was developed between Socorro and Clairmont, as well as a route from Valencia to St. Johns, Arizona. Following this interview the Gazette would report favorably on Luna's work in Congress, remarking: 

"This shows that Mr. Luna is taking hold of work in an energetic manner, and he will undoubtedly do good work for the territory during his term in office."

  In 1882, after being bolstered by friends and supporters, Luna announced that he'd be seeking renomination as a delegate to congress. Acknowledged as "a man of fine statue, good looking, bright, affable and well educated in both English and Spanish", Luna's first term was lauded by the Prescott, Arizona Miner shortly after his announcement, noting:

"He is regarded in the capital city as being one of the ablest delegates, and his standing with the heads of departments is excellent. We think New Mexico will be lucky if Mr. Luna is retained to represent her a second time."

  The 1882 contest for delegate pitted incumbent Luna against Democrat Francisco Antonio "Frank" Manzanares (1843-1904), a banker with business dealings throughout the American southwest. That November Luna again prevailed at the ballot box, besting Manzanares
by a vote of 15, 062 to 13, 376. Taking his seat at the start of the 1883-85 session, Luna was again named to the committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures. Despite Luna's apparent victory at the polls, Frank Manzanares was not to be denied, however, and contested the election results. Appealing to the house committee on Elections, Manzanares cried fraud, and with this plea instigated an electoral quagmire that dragged on through 1883 and into early 1884. The friction between Luna and Manzanares supporters grew to a fever pitch, finally reaching violence in February 1883, when Luna's cousin, Melchior Luna, fatally shot Manzanares supporter Miguel Sanchez following a quarrel regarding the election.
  Tranquilino Luna continued to serve as delegate through the investigation but eventually lost his seat to Manzanares in February 1884 when the house elections committee deemed over 2,000 votes in the 1882 election as fraudulent, thus swinging the election in favor of Manzanares. Manzanares would serve as a delegate for less than a year, not being a candidate for reelection. 
  Despite being put out of office due to allegations of voter fraud, Luna returned to New Mexico and continued with his earlier business interests. In January 1888 he suffered the death of his wife Amalia and in that same year was appointed as sheriff of Valencia County following the death of his brother Jesus. He was re-elected to that post in 1890 and in 1892 again served as part of the New Mexican delegation to the Republican National Convention, this time held in Minneapolis. Luna would take ill in the latter part of that year and died at his Los Lunas home on November 20, 1892, aged just 43. He was survived by his son Maximiliano and was interred at the San Clemente Cemetery in Los Lunas.

Frome "Representative New Mexicans", 1912.

  Around the same time that Tranquilino Luna was beginning his ascent in New Mexico territorial politics, another man with this unusual first name was doing the same in the county of San Miguel. That man was Tranquilino Labadie, who, after holding several local offices etched his name into state history books when he served as a delegate from Guadalupe County to the New Mexico Constitutional Convention of 1910. His service in that body saw him as a signer of New Mexico's first state constitution, and following his service was elected to the first New Mexico state legislature as a representative from Guadalupe County.

  The son of Lorenzo and Rayitos Labadie, Tranquilino Labadie was born in Sante Fe, New Mexico on July 6, 1854. While still a child he removed with his family to the settlement of Albiquin, where his father had been named as an Indian agent. Labadie would attend the Saint Michael's College in Sante Fe and in 1879 removed to the town of Las Vegas in San Miguel County. Here he would begin his political career, first serving as deputy county clerk from 1879-82 and in the last-named year was appointed as an interpreter for the territorial house of representatives.

 In 1883 Labadie was reappointed as deputy county clerk and during this term pulled political "double-duty", as he had been elected as the first city clerk for Las Vegas. His time in those offices extended until 1885, and in that year entered into the post of undersheriff and collector for San Miguel County. In December 1885 President Cleveland named Labadie as U.S. Postmaster at Las Vegas, serving until 1890.

  After removing to the town of San Miguel in 1890, Labadie undertook a career change, being a manager and partner in a mercantile store and tie contracting business. From 1893-96 he held the post of regent for the New Mexico Normal University, and in 1904 relocated to Guadalupe County. After establishing himself in the town of Santa Rosa Labadie won election as deputy county probate clerk (serving 1905-07) and from 1909-10 was deputy county assessor. 

  Tranquilino Labadie was elected to the 1910 New Mexico Constitutional Convention, convened to help frame the laws of New Mexico. After affixing his signature to the new constitution, Labadie was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, the first legislature to occur after New Mexico gained statehood. During this session of the new state legislature, Labadie held the following committee assignments: The Capitol, County and County Lines, Enrolled Bills,  Liquor Traffic, the Penitentiary, Privileges and Elections, Public Lands. He would also hold the chairmanship of the Railroads committee.

  On May 30, 1913, not long after his first term in the legislature had concluded, Tranquilino Labadie died at his Santa Rosa home at age 59. A burial location for him remains unknown at this time, and he was subsequently memorialized by his fellow representative Ramon Baca as:

"One of the best known Spanish Americans in the state and was unswerving in his loyalty to his friends. He was chairman of the committee on railroads at the last session and showed much energy. He was thoroughly honest and reliable in all his dealings."

From the Estancia News-Herald, June 5, 1913.

Ove Ephraim Overson (1879-1950)

Portrait from the New Mexico Blue Book, 1917.

  One term New Mexico state representative Ove Ephraim Overson is another unusually named legislator from that state located recently, and it is worth noting that, in addition to political service, he attained further distinction in the Church of Latter-Day Saints, where he was an elder and missionary. The son of Ove Christian and Maren (Christensdotter) Overson, Ove Ephraim Overson was born in Brigham City, Arizona on July 17, 1879. While still in infancy Overson removed with his family to St. Johns, Arizona, where he attended the common schools.

  Baptized into the Church of Latter-Day Saints in 1887, Overson subsequently held various offices in the church and for a three year period (1902-05) undertook a mission through the southern states, visiting Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. He would baptize Mormon converts in Key West and in June 1905 was appointed as stake clerk for St. John's stake. In November of the following year, he was named as bishop for the St. John's ward, and in 1905 married to Lillian Sorensen in Salt Lake City, Utah. The couple's four decades of marriage saw the birth of five children: Ove Parker (1908-1958), Alonzo Ephraim (1910-1981), Josephine Lillian (died in infancy in 1912), Claude Leon (1913-1989), and Leora (died in infancy in 1915).

  Following his marriage, Overson was affiliated with the Northern Arizona Real Estate and Investment Co. as an agent, and by June 1912 had gained his law license, establishing his law office in St. Johns. His practice would take him into courts located in New Mexico, and by early 1915 had removed to the city of Gallup in McKinley County. Here he would form the law firm of Ruiz and Overson with Alfred Ruiz, and in 1916 announced his candidacy for a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

  Overson would win a legislative seat in November 1916 as a Republican and took his seat at the start of the 1917-19 session. Representing McKinley County during this session, Overson was a member of the committees on Banks and Banking, Constitutional Amendments, Libraries, and Public Property. This term also saw Overson and fellow representative G.W. Stroud introduce legislation for the "teaching of high grades in the rural schools of the state", which would pass in the house, 39 votes to 2.

  Little information could be found on Overson's life following his time in state government. He is recorded as having served as city attorney for Gallup, and prior to his death relocated from Gallup to Hot Springs, New Mexico, where he was an assistant district attorney. Overson was last a resident of Reserve, New Mexico, where he died on February 28, 1950, at age 70. He was survived by his wife and was later returned to Arizona for burial at the St. Johns Cemetery in Apache County.

Ursinus Sidney Bateman (1856-1935)

From the Sante Fe New Mexican, March 20, 1901.

  New Mexico is another state that has been seldom featured here, and that meager political representation consists of just two previous articles, state representative Candelario Vigil (profiled in December 2012) and Woodlan P. Saunders in September of this year. With these facts in mind, the recent discovery of the name Ursinus Sidney Bateman (a two-term territorial representative) comes as a welcome surprise. A native of Texas, Bateman had previous political experience in that state prior to his removal to the New Mexico Territory, serving two terms as mayor of Jewett in Leon County.

  Born in Rush County, Texas in February 1856, Ursinus Sidney Bateman was the son of Micajah and Mary Agnes (McArthur) Bateman. Left fatherless at the age of four, Bateman's formative years were spent on a farm with his mother and would attend the public schools of Rush County. They would later remove to Jewett, Texas, where Bateman made his first foray into newspaper work, becoming editor and publisher of the Jewett Advance in the late 1870s. Bateman's work in that field would later be abandoned, as he decided to go into the mercantile business, where he continued until he resettled in Potter County, Texas in 1887. Bateman's previous residency in Jewett saw him elected to two terms as that town's mayor (his exact dates of service being unknown) and was also selected by Texas Governor John Ireland as one of that state's commissioners to the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition held in New Orleans from 1884-85.

  After returning to Jewett in the late 1880s, Bateman made preparations for removal to the New Mexico Territory. After establishing himself in the still-young city of Carlsbad in Eddy County, Bateman was admitted to practice law and also made a name for himself in local politics, winning election as city attorney of Carlsbad and from 1896-97 was a member of the board of county commissioners. 

  In November 1896 Bateman was elected as a Democrat to the New Mexico Territorial House of Representatives for the counties of Chaves, Eddy, and Lincoln. The 1897-99 session saw him serve as chairman of the Committee on Finance, as well as serving on the Irrigation and Rules committees. In November 1900 Bateman won a second term in the legislature, and during the 1901-03 session sat as a member of the committees on Education, Insurance, the Judiciary, Municipal Corporations, Public Institutions, and Rules. His two terms saw him acknowledged as "an active and watchful representative", and was a "man not blinded by partisanship."

  During his second term, Bateman married to Mary V. McCord (1872-1955), a widow with two children from a prior marriage. The couple were wed until Ursinus' death in 1935 and had at least two children, Ursinus Sidney Jr. (1912-1995) and an infant who died in 1911. Bateman and his family later relocated to California, where he continued in the practice of law. Ursinus Sidney Bateman died at a Pomona hospital on August 18, 1935, aged 79. He was survived by his wife and son and was interred at the Montecito Memorial Park in Colton, California.

From the San Bernardino Daily Sun, August 21, 1935.

Sudler Houston King (1896-1968)

From the Wilmington News Journal, February 20, 1968. 

   As we near the end of 2019, the Strangest Names In American Political History makes a rare stop in Delaware, a state last featured here in July 2011, the first month of this site's existence on the web. As a state with only a minuscule amount of oddly named political representation, the following biography on state representative and town judge Sudler Houston King is much needed! A Delaware resident for a good majority of his life, King is also the first person profiled here who was a policeman by occupation. Born on July 16, 1896, in Sudlersville, Queen Anne's County, Maryland, Sudler Houston King was the son of Morgan and Mary V. King. 

  Removing to Delaware at an early age, King was a student at the Middletown High School. He married in Delaware in the 1910s to Naomi Louetta Shockley and later had one son, Darwin Morgan King (1919-2014). A veteran of World War I, King enlisted at Newark, Delaware in August 1918 but did not see combat, and was commissioned a corporal in the 33rd Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Meade in Maryland.

  After the completion of his service, King returned to Delaware and resided in Middletown in New Castle County. From 1924-1944 he was an officer with the Delaware state police department, retiring with the rank of sergeant. A founding member of the Delaware Association of Retired State Police, King would serve as president of that association and was active in veteran's organizations his native county, being a two-time commander of the David Harrison Post No. 14 of the American Legion in Smyrna and commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3792 in Middletown.

Sudler King had to deal with a leaky capitol roof during his term. From the Wilmington Morning News, February 5, 1949.

   In November 1948 Sudler King was elected as one of New Castle County's representatives to the Delaware General Assembly and during his term (1949-51) also occupied the post of state highway department right-of-way agent, serving until 1953. After leaving the legislature King was employed by the New Castle County Engineer's office from 1955-61 and in the last-named year was elected as a town magistrate for Middletown, where he would serve until his death.

  King's final years saw him active in raising poultry and during the 1960s served as president of the Magistrates Association of Greater New Castle County. Sudler Houston King died at a Dover, Delaware hospital on February 19, 1968, aged 71. He was survived by his second wife Thelma (1918-2006) and son Darwin and was interred at the Townsend Cemetery in Townsend, Delaware.

From the Wilmington News Journal, February 20, 1968.

Eloi Augustus Adams (1894-1969)

From "Madbury: Its People and Places", 1968.

  Two-term New Hampshire state representative Eloi Augustus Adams is unique as he shares an unusual first name with a fictional race of subhumans (the Eloi) featured in H.G. Wells' novel "The Time Machine", published in 1895. In addition to being a longtime farmer in Madbury, New Hampshire, Adams served as Strafford County agricultural agent for three decades and was a leading historian of his area, publishing a history of the town of Madbury in the year prior to his death. Born in Marlboro, Massachusetts on March 27, 1894, Eloi Augustus "Dan" Adams was the son of Joseph and Effie (Williams) Adams.

  A graduate of the Weston High School in Massachusetts,  Adams later studied at the New Hampshire College in Durham and in 1918 received his bachelor of science degree in agriculture. Prior to graduating Adams married in July 1917 to Lena B. Jones (1889-1980) to who he was wed for over fifty years. The couple would be childless. Following his marriage, he and his wife removed to Madbury, New Hampshire, where, after purchasing an 18th farm, they resided for the remainder of their lives.  

  In the years after his resettlement in Madbury Eloi Adams became a leader in Strafford County agricultural circles, and from 1928-1959 served as Strafford County agricultural agent. A past president of the New Hampshire Board of County Agricultural Agents, Adams attained further distinction through his work in developing the Strafford County Soil Conservation District, of which he would serve as secretary. He would serve a term as president of the Northeast Chapter of the Soil Conservation Movement in 1954 and attained prominent rank in several other agricultural and forestry-related posts, including:

• Director of the New Hampshire Poultry Growers Association.
• Director of the New Hampshire-Vermont Breeding Association.
• Strafford County vice president for the Society of the Preservation of New Hampshire Forests.
• Was the president of the New Hampshire Fair Association.
• Was an agricultural advisor to the Selective Service System during WWII.
• Was a past master of the Scammell Grange and the Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange.

   Active in the political life of Madbury, Adams held a seat on the board of selectmen from 1921-1948 and was a member of the local school board for nearly a decade. In 1960 Adams was elected, unopposed, to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, polling 182 votes on election day. During the 1961-63 session, he chaired the committee on agriculture and in 1962 was appointed as Strafford County's representative on the State Agricultural Advisory Board, where he served until 1966. In November 1962 Adams would win a second term in the legislature and from 1963-65 again chaired the committee on agriculture.

   Following his service in state government, Eloi A. Adams continued to serve Madbury through civic service, serving as chairman of the town zoning board of adjustment until his death in early 1969. A year prior to his death Adams' history of Madbury (entitled Madbury: Its People and Places) saw publication and was sponsored by Madbury's bicentennial committee, organized to celebrate the town's 200th anniversary in 1968. On March 28, 1969, one day following his 75th birthday, Eloi Adams died at a Dover, New Hampshire hospital. He was survived by his wife Lena, who following her death in 1980, was interred alongside him at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover.

Elzear Oliver Mitiguy (1874-1934)

From the Burlington Free Press, September 9, 1931.

  Burlington, Vermont business figure Elzear Oliver Mitiguy was a leading name in that city's civic life in the first half of the 20th century, being the longtime president of the Burlington Drug Company and president of the city chamber of commerce. A former member of the Burlington Board of Aldermen and water commission board, Mitiguy reached his highest degree of political prominence in 1932 when he became the Democratic nominee for Vermont state auditor. The son of Quebec natives Andrew and Elodie (Reeves) Mitiguy, Elzear Oliver Miiguy was born in Enosburg, Vermont on October 17, 1874. 

  A student in schools local to the Enosburg area, Mitiguy graduated from the local high school in 1893 and soon after took employment as a bookkeeper and clerk at a general store in Enosburg. After nine years in that position, Mitiguy relocated to Burlington in 1902, and in that year married to Anna Foran (1880-1951). The couple were wed until Mitiguy's death in 1934 and had three children, Arthur (1905-1974), John Foran (1908-1970) and Mary (died in infancy in 1917).

   In the same year as his marriage, Elzear Mitiguy joined the Hobart J. Shanley and Co., a Burlington bookbinder and seller, in an executive  capacity. He remained with that company for nearly a decade, and in 1910 took work with the Burlington Drug Company as its accountant. He quickly advanced through that company's hierarchy and two years after joining it had assumed the post of secretary. In 1923 he was made president, continuing in that role from 1923-26, and again from 1928 until his death. Mitiguy's previous business dealings and stewardship of the Burlington Drug Company were later lauded in the September 9, 1931 edition of the Burlington Free Press, which noted that:

"His climb to success, while not spectacular, has been steady and his career has been enhanced through his constant work for his community and his fellowmen. For thirty-six years Mr. Mitiguy has been engaged in commerce in Vermont. His efforts have contributed to the continued growth and progress of his firm, his achievements bearing staunch testimony to his faith and belief in Vermont."

  In addition to his business successes, Mitiguy also made headway into the civic, political and religious life of Burlington. A devout Catholic, Mitiguy attended the local Catholic church, was a past Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus Chapter, and was a member of the Burlington Country Club. A director of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce beginning in 1922, Mitiguy began his political career at the local level, being a member of the city board of water commissioners and for two years sat on the city board of aldermen.

From the Burlington Free Press, January 31, 1934.

  In 1932 Elzear Mitiguy announced his candidacy for Vermont state auditor of accounts and in that year's Democratic primary won the nomination, polling 3,556 votes. In the general election that November Mitiguy would face Republican nominee Benjamin Gates, who would emerge victorious at the ballot box, polling 79,679 votes to Mitiguy's 42, 935. Following his defeat, Mitiguy continued with his business interests in Burlington and continued to serve on the board of water commissioners until his death at a local hospital on January 30, 1934, aged 59. He was survived by his wife and children and was interred at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Burlington.

From the Burlington Free Press.

Maturin Edson Wilcox (1850-1929)

From Vermont, Its Government, 1904-05 (author's collection.)

  Another in a line of oddly named Vermont state representatives profiled recently, Maturin Edson Wilcox was a lifelong resident of Benson in Rutland County who in 1903 was elected to one term in the state legislature. Despite the dearth of sources mentioning Wilcox, a copy of "Vermont, Its Government, 1904-05" in this author's possession fielded not only a small amount of biographical information on him but also the rare portrait above. Born in Benson on October 19, 1850, Maturin Edson Wilcox was the son of Jabez and Jane (Gibbs) Wilcox. 

  A student in the common schools of his native county, Wilcox married on Christmas Day 1872 to Isaviah Maria Sherman (1850-1934). The couple was wed for one day shy of fifty-seven years, and this lengthy union produced the following children: Guy Sherman (1876-1954), Claude (died in infancy in 1885), Clyde (1885-1965), Lau Retta (1887-1966), and Rival Jones (1891-1954).

  Maturin E. Wilcox was a farmer for all his life and prior to his legislative win held local political office, serving as a school director and a justice of the peace in Benson. In 1903 he was elected as an independent to the Vermont house of representatives and his one term (1904-1906) saw him sit on the committee on Town Lines. Following his term Wilcox again served as a justice of the peace, continuing in office until at least 1915.

  Little else could be located on Wilcox's life, excepting notice of his death at age 79 on December 24, 1929, one day before his fifty-seventh wedding anniversary. His wife Isaviah survived him by four years, and following her death in June 1934 was interred alongside him at the Fairview Cemetery in Benson.

Jamin Hannibal Hamilton (1836-1909)

Portrait from the Physicians and Surgeons of America, 1896.

   For many years a leading physician in Franklin County, Vermont, Jamin Hannibal Hamilton achieved further distinction through government service, being a delegate to the state constitutional convention of 1870, a one-term state representative, and secretary of the State Board of Health. A lifelong Vermont resident, Jamin Hannibal Hamilton was born in Berkshire on February 29, 1836, the son of Hannibal and Julia (Thompson) Hamilton. 

  A student at the Franklin and Derby academies, Hamilton began the study of medicine in Enosburg in the mid-1850s and later undertook two medical lectures at the Vermont Academy of Medicine. Hamilton graduated from that institution in the class of 1859 and shortly thereafter began his medical practice in the town of Richford. Jamin H. Hamilton married in Richford on his 24th birthday to Ellen M. Goff, to who he was wed until her death in 1876. This union produced one son, James, who followed his father into medicine. Several months following his wife's death Hamilton remarried to Mary Smalley, who survived him upon his death in 1909. The couple would have four children, Jamin Hannibal Jr. (1881-1958), Estelle, Fannie, and Francis J.

  The succeeding years saw Hamilton have a "wide practice in his section and over the line in Canada". A member of the Franklin County and Vermont State Medical Societies, Hamilton served as vice-president of the latter organization and during the 1885 smallpox epidemic was designated a sanitary inspector for the U.S. Marine Hospital Service. Hamilton would undertake further medical study at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1872 and was later honored with honorary membership in the District of Bedford (Quebec) Medical Society. 

   A local political office holder in Franklin County, Hamilton served nineteen years as Richford's school director and in June 1870 was a delegate from Franklin County to the state constitutional convention held in Montpelier. In 1886 he was appointed to the Vermont State Board of Health, where he served until at least 1900, and for several years served as secretary of that board. During his tenure, Hamilton would have a two-year stint as a professor of Sanitary Science and Hygiene in the medical department of the University of Vermont and was a consulting physician at the St. Albans Hospital.

  In 1895 Jamin H. Hamilton was elected as one of Franklin County's representatives to the Vermont state legislature and during his term (1896-1898) was a member of the committees on Education, and Highways, Ferries, and Bridges. After leaving the legislature Hamilton continued service on the state board of health until at least 1900, and in 1903 was appointed as acting assistant surgeon at duty for Richford. In 1908 he retired from the Richford school board after three decades of service and shortly before his death suffered a fall at his home. Hamilton died one week later from "internal injuries" on March 14, 1909, at age 73. A burial location for both Hamilton and his wife remains unknown at this time and is presumed to be somewhere in the Richford vicinity.

From the Barre Daily Times, March 15, 1909.

Gila Hebb Carpenter (1891-1969)

From the Burlington Free Press, February 27, 1937.

   We continue our stay in Vermont to profile one term state representative Gila Hebb Carpenter, an all-to-rare example of an oddly named female politician being highlighted here. A teacher in Elmore for two decades, Carpenter also served as a ballot clerk in that town on several occasions. Born on July 11, 1891, in Cambridge, Vermont, the former Gila Lucia Hebb was the daughter of Henry and Flora (Horner) Hebb. 

  A student in schools local to the Cambridge area, Gila Hebb Carpenter undertook further study at the Johnson Normal School and the University of Vermont. She married in 1918 to William Silloway Carpenter (1890-1968), to whom she was wed for fifty years. The union would be childless. Prior to her marriage Carpenter began a teaching career at age seventeen. She would teach at the East Elmore School between 1910-1928, continuing until the school's closure in the last-named year. She and her husband would reside on a farm in Elmore (located in Lamoille County) and in addition to teaching held the post of ballot clerk for town elections at various times.

  In 1936 Carpenter won election to the Vermont House of Representatives from Elmore and during the 1937-39 session was a member of the committee on State Institutions. Her service on this committee also saw her undertake fact-finding visits to the Women's Reformatory at Rutland and the State Industrial School in Vergennes. Interviewed by the Burlington Free Press shortly after taking her seat, Carpenter described herself as living "the life of an average Vermont housewife" and that she:

"Is interested in all constructive legislation, particularly that pertaining to educational matters and social welfare."

  Carpenter's term in the legislature concluded in 1939 and she was succeeded by Phillip Shonio, who sat in the legislature until 1943. She and her husband continued residence in Elmore and for an indeterminate period, Gila Carpenter held the office of constable in Elmore, being acknowledged as the first woman to occupy that post in Lamoille County history. Carpenter suffered the death of her husband William on June 29, 1968, and survived him by a less than a year, dying aged 77 on June 14, 1969, in Elmore. Both were interred at the Lake Elmore Cemetery.

From the Burlington Free Press, February 27, 1937.

Sullings Fox Hodgdon (1908-1988)

From the Burlington Free Press, February 5, 1969.

 Hardworking Granby, Vermont resident Sullings Fox Hodgdon could claim several titles during his life, including farmer, poultryman, logger, school director, and two-time state legislator. One of thirteen children born to Albert Cole (1883-1970) and Cecile (DePoutee) Hodgdon (1887-1966), Sullings Fox Hodgdon was born in Victory, Essex County, Vermont on January 6, 1908.

  Referred to by most sources as "S. Fox" or "Fox" Hodgdon, Hodgdon's early schooling took place in his native town of Victory, and, after removing with his family to Granby, Vermont in 1918, continued schooling in that town. He would marry in Granby in December 1929 to Jennie Edna Wilson (1911-1991). The couple's near six-decade marriage saw the births of five children, who are listed as follows in order of birth: Murray Calvin (1931-2009), Vivian May (1932-2008), Frederick William (1933-2017), Barbara Louise (1936-2018), Donald Fox (1947-1991). 

  The majority of Hodgdon's life was spent quietly in Granby, where he earned a reputation as a thrifty citizen, helpful neighbor, and avid outdoorsman. A longtime farmer in his area, Hodgdon plowed snow for his fellow Granby citizens during the 1930s, "trapped fur-bearing animals", and further supplemented his income by logging. Acknowledged as the "poultry king of the Northeast Kingdom", Hodgdon gained local distinction as a chicken breeder, having "nearly 1,000 hens" on his property, and with that number, a substantial egg production. 

From the Burlington Free Press, February 5, 1969.

   A holder of several political offices in Granby, S. Fox Hodgdon was elected as a town school director in 1947 and was later a town lister and road commissioner, serving in the latter post in the early 1960s. In 1960 he was elected to his first term in the Vermont house of representatives from Essex County and during the 1961-63 session was a member of the Municipal Corporations Committee. Hodgdon wasn't a candidate for reelection to the house for the 1963-65 term but won election to a second term in 1964. His second house stint proved to be brief, and in 1965 saw his state undergo an extensive redistricting plan, which would lower the state house of representatives membership from 246 to 150.

  With Granby on the chopping block due to redistricting, Hodgdon was forced into a special election for his seat, a contest that saw him pitted against his nephew, Amos Clark Colby (born 1937). On election day 1965 Colby won out over Hodgdon, and would serve as representative until 1974. Following his loss, Hodgdon was interviewed by the Burlington Free Press in February 1969 in regards to Vermont's extensive redistricting. Lamenting on his defeat and the loss of representation for many Vermont small towns, Hodgdon remarked:

"I don't think the representatives we've got now know what the small towns need. But I know one thing that nobody needs, and that's higher property taxes...Something has got to produce revenue to pay for education, roads and all the things they want. The money has got to come from somewhere and there are few places left."

  Sullings Fox Hodgdon resided in Granby until his death at age 80 on October 17, 1988. He was survived by his wife and children and was interred at the Appleton Cemetery in that town.

Goin Bailey Evans (1842-1922)

Portrait from the Montpelier Evening Argus, October 21, 1908.

  There were few individuals more popular in 19th century Waterbury, Vermont than Goin Bailey Evans, a farmer and Civil War veteran who served four non-consecutive terms in his state's legislature. In addition to his multiple terms as a state representative, Evans attained further distinction as a Democratic presidential elector for Vermont, sheriff of Washington County, deputy inspector of customs, U.S. Postmaster at Waterbury, and in 1908 served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Vermont. The son of Osgood and Mary (Bailey) Evans, Goin Bailey Evans was born in Moretown, Vermont on December 4, 1842.

  Bestowed the curious name Goin upon his birth, Evans' early education was obtained at the Newbury, Vermont seminary and later attended the Bryant and Stratton Business College in New York. Employed as a drover during young adulthood, Evans signed on for service in Co. G, 6th Regiment Vermont Volunteers in 1862 and his Civil War service extended until April 1863, when he was discharged due to disability. 

  Following his return from service Goin Evans married in 1864 to Abbie M. Goodrich (1846-1905), to who he was wed until her death in 1905. After her passing Evans remarried to Margaret Thompson (birth-date unknown) who survived him upon his death in 1922. Both unions were childless. 

   Evans resided in Moretown following his marriage, where he was a farmer and produce dealer. In 1873 he was elected to his first term in the Vermont House of Representatives. During the 1874-75 session Evans held no committee assignments, and, following his reelection to a second term, again held no committee duties through the 1876-77 session. In 1881 Evans won a third term in the legislature, and during the 1882-83 term held a seat on the committee on the Reform School. Evans's fourth and final house term began in 1884, and in addition to service in that session was also a Democratic presidential elector for Vermont, seeing Grover Cleveland win the presidency that year. 

  In the wake of Cleveland's presidential win (the first Democratic presidential victory since 1856), Goin B. Evans was appointed as deputy inspector and collector of customs in 1885, serving through the first Cleveland administration. Two years after Cleveland's reelection as president in 1892, Evans was named as U.S. Postmaster for Waterbury, Vermont, serving from 1894 until stepping down in 1898.

  Evans continued in local political office during the early 20th century when he won election as sheriff of Washington County, Vermont in 1901. His term in that post extended from 1902-04, and in July 1908 served as part of the Vermont delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, where William Jennings Bryan was nominated as the party standard-bearer for the third time. 

From the Waterbury Record, March 16, 1909.

  Three months after his time at the Democratic Nation Convention Goin B. Evans made headlines of a different sort when he was brutally attacked at his home during an attempted robbery. On October 19, 1908, Evans was visited at his home by Fred Strong, who, under the premise of being a book agent, asked Evans to change a $20 bill that Strong had in his possession. After agreeing to do so, Evans produced a large roll of bills, whereupon Strong proceeded to strike Evans with a rock contained in a stocking. Despite being beaten severely, the 66-year-old Evans managed to hang on to his assailant, and, after receiving aid from a servant, subdued Strong until police arrived. After his arrest, Strong (a "confirmed drug fiend") was held at the Vermont State Hospital until his trial, and in April 1909 was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Following the verdict, Strong was remanded to the state prison for "safe keeping until further order from the court."

  Goin Bailey Evans survived the attack at his home but in the last years of his life was afflicted by blindness. Through the efforts of his second wife Margaret, Evans was afforded some measure of independence from his affliction, being able to visit with friends at both his home and elsewhere. Evans took ill in the months prior to his death and one week before his passing was confined to his bed. He died aged 79 on August 24, 1922, at his home, and was later interred at the Hope Cemetery in Waterbury.

From the Montpelier Evening Argus, August 24, 1922.