Supplina Hamilton - "Genius" of Aumsville, Oregon 1872

December 25, 2018

An article mentioning Supplina Hamilton and a demonstration of his version of the sulky plow (a riding rather than a walking plow) at the 12th annual Oregon State Fair in October of 1872. Supplina & Jane (Sumpter) Hamilton had been living in Aumsville, Oregon since 1870. In just a few weeks after the fair, on Nov 7, 1872, Jane would give birth to their seventh child, Judd Hamilton (Glen's great-grandfather), at their place near Aumsville. From the article: 'S. Hamilton, of Aumsville, is a genius, and has invented a sulky plow that is almost perfect. The plowman from his seat, can raise or lower his plow at pleasure, and at any depth, and the draft is scarcely any more than a common plow; afterwards, if wanted, a broadcast sower can be attached, gauged to sow as is desired. We are not enthusiastic on the gang or sulky plow question, but this one is the best, in our opinion, that has been shown.' Supplina Hamilton at age 40 was a man of invention and innovation, improving on existing designs and making his own; as a blacksmith also, he was the master fabricator of his day, and in 1902 he would be awarded a patent on his Hamilton Swinging Gate.

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