John Hamilton Master of Arts, D.C.L., was a Quebec merchant and from 1900 to 1926 the 7th Chancellor of Bishop"s University, Lennoxville, Quebec.
Background
Born at New Liverpool, Quebec, he was the son of Robert Hamilton, of Hamwood, Quebec, and Isabella daughter of John Thomson of Quebec. His father was a trustee of Bishop"s University from 1871 to 1898 and the elder brother of Senator John Hamilton and the Rt. Review Charles Hamilton.
Education
Studied at Bishop’s College School. Trinity College, Toronto. Master of Arts; Doctor of Civil Law.
Career
In 1900, he was elected the 7th Chancellor of Bishop"s University. Following World War I, he was persuaded to withdraw his resignation from the post several times, but finally retired in 1925. He had been active in the affairs of the university for over forty years and was a generous contributor to the financial campaigns of 1913 and 1924.
The John Hamilton Building at Bishop"s was named for him in 1963, and the interest from his estates were still accruing to the university in 1979.
They lived at "Hamwood" Quebec and kept a summer house, "Moss Craig" at Cacouna. They were the parents of four daughters, including Mrs Arthur Carington Smith.
Membership
He was President of the Champlain Society and a member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.