. . .many brilliant legal men were prominent ( in Placer Co.) during the three decades making up early state history. . . Among these, General Jo. Hamilton must be mentioned; one of the most noted attorneys in California, he was prominent in politics and a brilliant jury lawyer with a gift for oratory which made him feared by opposing counsel. A native of Kentucky, he was admitted to th bar in Georgia, and in 1858 sold his horse, saddle and bridle to secure money to come to California.
First settling in Placer Co. . . he then wore, like all true Southerners, a silk hat and Prince Albert, but this did not deter him from accepting work chopping wood on a ranch. He also worked in the mines in Foresthill. His first case. . .was defending a man accused of murder, with a fee of one hundred dollars. . .He located in Auburn in 1860, and began practicing law and that same year was elected district attorney of Placer Co. He was reelected in 1862 and served ‘till 1865. During this time he prosecuted a man as district attorney; the trial was delayed and when he went out of office he defended this same man and acquitted him.
Gen. Hamilton continued the practice of law in Auburn until 1899. He was twice elected Attorney-Gen of California, the first time in 1871 under Governor Haight’s administration, and reelected in 1874, during Governor Irwin’s term.. . .slated as candidate for Governor of the State, he was taken with a severe illness and could not carry out his plans.
Gen. Hamilton owned and operated for 25 years, a 2500 acre ranch in Colusa Co., known as the Hamilton Ranch. He retired from practice in 1899 and in 1909 his death occurred.