Governor of Maryland After failing to receive nomination for governor, Hamilton again stepped away from the political arena, returning to his previous engagements in Western Maryland. During that time, however, he continued to push persistently for a Democratic nomination as governor of Maryland, which he succeeding in doing in 1879. Hamilton faced future U.S. Postmaster General, Republican James Albert Gary, during the election, and defeated him by more than 22,000 votes. As governor, Hamilton regularly conflicted with the state legislature, believing they were neglecting the state's economy. He sought to reduce government waste by abolishing excessive offices and positions, such as the office of Weighers of Grain and Hay, but again the legislature refused to cooperate with his program. He retired as governor on January 8, 1884, retaining popular support throughout the state. His hostile treatment of the legislature as governor, however, had made the state Democratic party again unreceptive towards him. Hamilton returned to Hagerstown where he avoided further involvement in state and national politics. He returned to the practice of law, but also worked to improve the city and county public works, streets, and water supply. He was maintained a great deal of popularity in Hagerstown and the surrounding areas, and his death following a long battle with illness was widely mourned. He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery (Maryland). Family Hamilton's daughter Josephine married the inventor Hiram Percy Maxim. His other daughter Clare married Hayden Eames, brother of the opera singer Emma Eames. His granddaughter was actress Clare Eames, his great-granddaughter is actress Jennifer Howard, and his great-great-grandson is actor Tony Goldwyn. References Maryland Archives biography 1820 births 1888 deaths Democratic Party governors of Maryland Politicians from Hagerstown, Maryland Democratic Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates Washington & Jefferson College alumni Democratic Party United States senators from Maryland Burials at Rose Hill Cemetery (Hagerstown, Maryland) Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Maryland 19th-century American politicians