Captain Hiram Hamilton, a native of Chebeague Island, was born into a long line of stone sloop captains. These vessels, designed to transport heavy cargoes of granite and stone, were a common sight along the Maine coast in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Hamilton’s father and grandfather were also stone sloop captains, and many of his brothers, uncles, and cousins followed in the family tradition.
The life of a stone sloop captain was dangerous, with small crews and no ability to lighten their load in bad seas. If a sloop ran into trouble, it was often lost with all hands. Despite the risks, Hamilton was a skilled and experienced captain who was well-respected by his peers.
In the 1870s, Hamilton was captain of the sloop Amelia. In 1879, he was awarded the contract to provide 12,000 tons of stone for the construction of the breakwater at New Castle, New Hampshire. In 1880, he partnered with Reuben S. Smart, and their business (Hamilton & Smart) was awarded the contract for 2,500 tons of rubble stone to go to Richmond Island.
Hamilton’s career was not without its setbacks. In 1872, his home and barn on Anthoine Street were destroyed by fire. In 1887, his daughter Mary died at the age of 19. And in 1894, his dory was stolen.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton remained a respected figure in the South Portland community. He was a member of the local Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was also a devout Methodist and served as a trustee of the local Methodist church.
Hamilton died of pneumonia in 1895 at the age of 65. He was buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in South Portland. His wife, Margaret, died in 1917 and was buried beside him.
Captain Hiram Hamilton was a skilled and experienced stone sloop captain who made a significant contribution to the maritime history of Maine. His legacy as a captain and a family man is remembered today through the efforts of the South Portland Historical Society.