William Hamilton ca.1635-1724

William HAMILTON of Wishaw, ca. 1635-1724

Hamilton's bookplate (British Museum Franks Collection *545)

Biographical Note

The third son of William Hamilton of Wishaw (d. 1636), probably born in Wishaw, Lanarkshire. He succeeded to the estate of Wishaw in 1666 following the deaths of his older brothers. Hamilton received a legal training. From 1662 he was a Writer to the Signet in Edinburgh and was admitted as a notary public in 1681. He had a contemporary reputation as an antiquary and genealogist.

He was succeeded by his grandson William Hamilton who may have been the owner of the second bookplate recorded below.

Books

Used an engraved bookplate:

Franks *545 Hamilton, Mr. William, of Wishaw.

Franks 13508 Hamilton, Mr. William. (The last plate with altered inscription.)

This modified plate is possibly that of his grandson and heir.

Sources

• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.
• Millar, A. H., and Alexander Du Toit. "Hamilton, William (1630x36–1724), historical topographer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.