[Charles W. Hamilton, president of the United States National bank, was born January 1st, 1831, in Chenango county, New York. Until he was about eighteen years of age he attended the public schools during the winters, and during his vacations he was employed in various kinds of work on the farm. He arrived in Omaha in May, 1856. For two or three years he was engaged in the mercantile business. In the spring of 1862 Mr. Hamilton entered the service of Barrows, Millard & Co., bankers, as book-keeper,

and in 1865 he became a member of the firm, the name then being changed to Millard, Caldwell & Co. In 1868 the firm name was again changed, this time to Caldwell, Hamilton & Co. This old established private banking firm which was organized in 1856, was reorganized in 1883 as the United States National Bank with a capital of $100,000, and with Mr. Hamilton as president. The capital was increased in 1886 to $250,000. This bank under its various firm names has been located at the southwest corner of Farnam and Twelfth streets since the spring of 1858, occupying until the spring of 1887 the historic two-story old-fashioned brick structure known as the Western Exchange building. It was erected during the fall of 1855 and the spring of 1856, and was the first brick building in Omaha. It was built by three or four gentlemen connected with the Nebraska

and Iowa Ferry Company, and it was immediately occupied upon completion by the Western Fire and Marine Insurance Company, which did a general banking business. When this company failed in the famous panic of 1857, and vacated the building, it was succeeded in that location by Barrows, Millard & Co. This old landmark of pioneer days was torn down in the spring of 1887, and during the summer one of the handsomest bank buildings in the West was erected upon its site. The new building has a high basement, with a superstructure of five stories. It is constructed of Ohio blue stone, is fire proof, and is equipped throughout with all modern conveniences. In architectural design it presents a beautiful and imposing appearance, and is one of the most notable buildings in Omaha. It has a frontage of 66 feet on Farnam street and 132 feet on Twelfth street. This building cost

$130,000, and was erected by the heirs of the Caldwell estate as a memorial of the late Hon. S. S. Caldwell, who was for many years a member of the firm of Caldwell, Hamilton & Co. The design of the building is in accordance with the ideas of Mr. Caldwell, who before his death had determined to erect for the bank such a structure as its permanent home. Mr. Hamilton, president of the bank, is a safe, conservative business man, and has the confidence of the entire community in which he has resided during, the greater part of his life. He was married in 1858 to Miss Fannie Murphy of this city. They have six children. The oldest son, C. Will Hamilton, is assistant cashier in the United States National Bank. Frank Hamilton, is the second son, is paying teller in the Merchants National. Millard Caldwell Hamilton, the third son, is student at Cornell University and will graduate in 1888. The two daughters, Stella and May, are attending school, and Frederick, the youngest son, is at home.]