The Hamiltons 1762-1862

James Hamilton was born around 1840. He married twice and had several children including John Hamilton, and Richard Hamilton.

John Hamilton went to sea and became involved in the Battle of Camperdown in 1797 then later in charge of the Dover to Calais ferry, with his regular passengers including British and Belgian Royalty. He was knighted for his services during the 1840s.

Richard Hamilton became an apprentice tailor and set up business in the same street as his older brother John in Dover.

Both John and Richard had children of their own. This book follows the story of Richard's children - in particular Richard Hamilton the Second who, after following his father's trade as a tailor for some years eventually decided to emigrate with his family to South Australia .

The British Government was keen to establish a colony in South Australia to discourage the French from doing the same. There was nothing there and the Hamilton family and their fellow travellers became true pioneers in a new land.