Beecher Hamilton: Veteran Spanish-American War

Beecher Hamilton was born around 1880 in Beaufort, North Carolina. He married Agnes McDurphy in Clinton, New York. Beecher resided at 30 Miller Street in Plattsburgh for 28 years. He had a notable history of service, being a veteran of the Spanish-American War.
Beecher’s career was centered around his culinary skills. He worked as a chef and was employed at the Elks Club for a significant portion of his professional life. His culinary journey commenced on a dining car of the Delaware & Hudson railroad. He then transitioned to a position at the Woodruff Hotel in Watertown, New York. During another period, he worked as a painter at Plattsburgh Barracks during a war (likely referring to World War I). In 1923, Beecher became the chef of the Plattsburgh Elks Club, where he remained employed until 1943. Unfortunately, his career as a chef had to come to an end due to declining health, leading to his retirement in 1943.
Beecher Hamilton passed away on August 8, 1944. He was buried alongside his wife at Riverside Cemetery and received military honors. At the time of his passing, he was survived by his wife, two sisters, and two brothers. His funeral was well-attended, with a significant number of members from the Plattsburgh Lodge of Elks paying their respects. Members of the Elks Club served as pallbearers, and there were honorary escorts from the Spanish War Veterans and the lodge, underlining Beecher’s connection to these organizations and his community involvement.