Wilbur H. Hamilton

Wilbur H. Hamilton (July 19, 1909 – July 22, 1964) was an American businessman and politician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Wilbur H. Hamilton
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 8th District
In office
1956–1960
Preceded byConstance Dallas
Succeeded byAlfred Leopold Luongo
Personal details
Born(1909-07-19)July 19, 1909
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJuly 22, 1964(1964-07-22) (aged 55)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
RankStaff sergeant
Battles/warsWorld War II

Formative years

Born in the neighborhood of Manayunk, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 19, 1909, Hamilton was one of the sons of William J. Hamilton Sr. and a member of a prominent Republican family in the city.[1] He served in the United States Army during World War II. After receiving training at the American Institute of Banking, he worked in the mortgage and bond business.[2]

Business and political career

Hamilton worked for the Boardman–Hamilton & Company Insurance company, eventually becoming its chairman.[1] He also followed his father into politics; from 1951 to 1955, he served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.[2] In 1955, he ran for Philadelphia City Council from the 8th district and won, the only Republican to win a district seat that year.[1]

In 1956, after his brother William Jr. died, he became leader of the 21st ward. He rose through the ranks of the Republican Party hierarchy to become Chairman of the City Committee, the effective boss of the organization.[1] He was a delegate to the 1964 Republican National Convention.[1]

Death

On the way home from the 1965 Republican National Convention, Hamilton suffered a heart attack and died suddenly at the age of 55.[1]

References
  1. Inquirer 1964.
  2. PHR Biography.

Sources
  • "Wilbur H. Hamilton, ex-GOP Chairman in City, Dies at 55". Philadelphia Inquirer. July 23, 1964. p. 34 – via Newspapers.com.
  • "Wilbur H. Hamilton" (PDF). Historical Biographies. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
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