REV. SAMUEL MCCLINTOCK HAMILL, D. D. MEMOIR REPARED AND READ BY THE REV. SAMUEL M. STUDDIFORD, D. D., Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church of Trenton, Rev. Samuel McClintock Hamill, D.D. * The New Jersey Historical Society has, since its last meeting, been sorely bereaved; its President and its First VicePresident having been removed by death, both noble men, with few superiors; each, in his sphere, having done a grand work, and at death lamented by a large circle of friends; a loss alike to the church and the State. The Rev. Samuel McClintock Hamill, D.D., who for so many years has presided at the deliberations of this Society, was not a Jerseyman by birth; nor did he receive his academic, collegiate or theological training in any of the institutions of this State; and yet there are not many of the citizens, native or adopted, who have been more closely identified with New Jersey and its most important interests than he; few have exerted so wide and salutary an influence or have been privileged to have part in moulding the character of so many men who have risen to prominence, or have been so devoted to all that pertains to the good of this commonwealth. Dr. Hamill was a Pennsylvanian, but when he took up his abode in this State it was not long before he became a thoroughgoing Jerseyman. The New Jersey Historical Society owes its existence partly to him, for it was during one of those great educational conventions which were held, principally at Trenton, during the decade from 1840 to 1850, and which subsequently resulted in the appointment of a State Superintendent of Public Schools, and the establishment of the State Normal School, and the present enlarged provision for the education * Hon. John T. Nixon. |