There has been a considerable resurgence in genealogical interests in the past twenty years or so. About 1968, my aunt, Helyn Harriette Hamill, nee Mumford, wrote up a "family tree" for her children and grandchildren. I, too, obtained a copy. It must have whetted my own interest in our mutual predecessors. I began to seriously pursue more detailed information about 1975 and that has continued, somewhat sporadically, ever since. Some of you who read this may recall an earlier version which I produced in 1980. This document supersedes the earlier one, which should be destroyed.

Every reasonable effort has been made for accuracy. However, some errors inevitably creep in. As time permits, I intend to continue further research. Any corrections or additions are always welcome. Welcome, too, are questions which I may be able to answer from my documented files.

It was never my intention to write a "history". It was intended to be a genealogical work and, as such, includes, primarily, vital statistics only. To anyone who is particularly interested in William Arthur Hamill, I wholeheartedly recommend "WILLIAM A. HAMILL: The Gentleman From Clear Creek", by Christine Ann Bradley, Colorado State University, 1977.

A word here is probably well advised regarding the HAMILL achievement at arms. The portrayal used for the cover of this work was taken from a die, once used by William Arthur Hamill, and now in posession of John Robert Hamill of Birmingham, Michigan. "Bob" sent me a bookmark printed from the original die and the bookmark was then used by the artist and printer to provide what is apparently an authentic reproduction of the achievement at arms of our own ancestors. There are other "HAMILL" arms as well.

"Our" HAMILL achievement at arms is described as follows: "On a blue field, two bars ermine." The crest: "On a ducal coronet, a leopard, seated, in natural color". The motto: "MORTEM AUT TRIUMPHUM" (ie. "Death or Victory"). A very diligent researcher may yet explain its origin.

The system used in this work to seperate paragraphs was specifically intended to provide a ready reference to the reader regarding the descendency. The number of digits indicates the generation. The numeral of each digit indicates the birth order within each generation. For example, paragraph 117541 indicates the firstborn (in this case the only, ie., Henry Hamill), second digit indicates firstborn of the second generation, Thomas Hamill. The third digit indicates the seventh born, ie. William Arthur Hamill, fourth digit, fifth born, etc. Thus, with a little practice, one may read the lineage at a glance.

A sincere "Thank You!!" to all of you who have supported my efforts.

"LITTLE JIM"
Denver, Colorado
23 June, 1989