Weiser American (Weiser, Washington County, Idaho)
Thursday, February 15, 1934
LAST SUMMONS COMES DR. W. R. HAMILTON
Although not unexpected, because of his condition of ill health, news of the passing early Tuesday morning at the Weiser hospital of Dr. William Reed Hamilton, came as a shock to members of his family and to his hosts of friends throughout Idaho. It is understood that the direct cause of his death was erysipelas, brought about by infection, which came from the wound in his head, that resulted from a fall about two weeks ago; however, Doctor Hamilton had been in poor health for some time.
He was not exactly a pioneer of Weiser, but had resided here for many years, was a prominent, outstanding citizen; was strong in his convictions - a citizen of the highest type from every standpoint.
Doctor Hamilton was born in Cainsville, Ontario, Canada, on July 16, 1866. His parents were natives of Scotland. He attended and was graduated from the Toronto Medical college, and afterward took a post-graduate course in surgery in Beelevue hospital, New York.
On coming into the western part of the United States, he first located in Payette, and on September 28, 1898 was united in marriage to Miss Emma Coughanour, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Coughanour, of Payette. They moved to Silver City, where they resided for some years and then returned to Payette where they remained a short time, after which they located in Weiser.
Doctor Hamilton was not only prominent in his profession, but also in politics and in the Masonic fraternity. He was chairman of the Democratic state central committee, served as mayor of Weiser for three terms, and was Grand Master of Idaho Masons.
He was county physician, also physician for the O. W. S. L. and P. & I. Ry. companies at the time of his death.
Funeral services were conducted at the Masonic hall at 2 o'clock this afternoon by Rev. E. E. Tayler, and interment was made in the Payette cemetery, where the Masonic ritualistic burial service was used.
