Hamilton Family

Sep 4, 2022

in 1850-1869 (Born), 1870-1889 (Born), 1890-1909 (Born), African Americans, Born or raised in Newark (high school or before), Business & Entrepreneur, Doctors, Nurses and Medical, Education, Museums and Libraries

Laura Bland Hamilton

1853-1952

Laura Hamilton was born into slavery in VA. She came to Newark after the Civil War with her sister and married Frederick Hamilton. Founder of Bethany Baptist Church. She organized a factory making baby clothes in her home which she ran for 18 years. Her husband also had an automobile exchange at their home 90 Court Street.

Malia Hamilton (Williams)

1876 – 19 Oct 1913

Malia Hamilton was an assistant at James Baxter’s Colored School from at least 1901-1909. After the school closed in 1909 she was appointed to Charlton Street School. Her brother Allen Hamilton also remembered her teaching at Waverly Street School.

However, it appears she was unable to get a permanent position. Recihle writes in his history of Kean College how she was required to come in at 8:30am everyday just for the chance of a sub position.

Malia married in 1904 to Ernest Williams but is always shown on the census at the family home until death, often listed as single.

She graduated Newark High in 1894, and the Normal School in 1896. Malia also taught at Morton Street summer school and was treasurer and teacher at the Mt. Olive Church Sunday school.