From Pg 454, "The Hamlin Family, A Genealogy of James Hamlin of Barnstable, MA"

[1438] Hon. BYRON DELANO HAMLIN (Bro. of Orlo J>,)

b. Sheshequin, Pa., may 7 1824; m., November 17, 1846, Harriet, dau. of John and Nancy (richmond) Holmes, b Chenango Co., N.Y., Jan 1 1826. He removed with his parents in June 1833 to Smethport, Pa., then a small village jst emerging from the primeval forest. In this obscure place, amidst adverse circumstances, he began a long, useful and preosperous career, in which by diligent application, aided by superior mental facilities, he became a leader of the bar of Mckean and neighboring counties, and amassed a fortune. His father died in 1835, leaving the family without financial means of support. In this condition, the lad set about to find some self supporting employment; the first was an opportunity to peel bark from old and fallen hemlock trees which he sold for fuel at a dollar a cord, payable in store trade. In this occupation he succeded in maintaining himself, and had sufficient surplus to purchase a handsome cream pitcher as a present to his mother, which cost him five shillings, six pence, York mondy, still preserved as a relic of the struggles of his youth. Afterwards, he gratefully accepted the position of mailcarrier between Smethport and Olean, N.Y., then the principal communication with the outside world, making two trips of fifty-six miles each week on the back of a mule, at seventy-five cents a trip.

By improvement of odd hours at the fireside and a short time at school, he was considered competent and engaged to teach a country school for the winter, when sixteen years old, at $10 a month. He accepted an invitation to make his home with his sister, Jenette, who married Rev. Moses Crow, professor in Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa., and entered the college; but the health of Mr. Crow failing, he resigned his position, and having no meanst to pay expenses young Hamlin returned to Smethport and took position in a stgore owned by his brother, Hon. Orlo J. Hamlin, and also commenced the study of law with his brother, who also had the control of large landed estates of non-residents, and thereby early acquired an intimate knowledge of land titles and conduction such properties.

In 1855 he accepted the agency of the large body of lands belonging to Keating & Co., which he conducted until 1884, when he became the purchaser of what remained undisposed of, interesting wiht him some of his family in their ownership. He was a Democart, and in early life an active local political leader; Treasurer McKean Co., 1850; State Senator, 1852, and although one of the youngest members took a prominent position and was presiding officer of the Senate 1854, but was defeated for the same office in that year by combination of the Free Soil and Know Nothing parties. He was tendered the nomination of surveyor-General of Pennsylvania, 1856, and the nomination of Presiding Judge 1868, both of which he declined, desiring to withdraw from active political life for more congenial pursuits.

During the War of Rebellion he was found physically unfitte for active service in the field, but on the firing on Sumter applied himself to raising recruits, and rendered efficient aid to Gen. Thomas L. Kane, who organized the famous "Bucktail" regiment. No compliment ever bestowed upon him was more prized than that of his election as an honorary comrade by the regiment at their reunion of its survivors in 1888. Members of the firm Hamlin & Forest, the latter his son-in-law, lawyers. His mansion house is in Smethport where he enjoys the comptence and ease of a well spent life; he is very domestic in habit, and is happiest when surrounded by his kindred and friends -- most beloved by those who know him best.

Ch. b. Smethport
3994,* Delano Richmond, Aug. 16, 1847
3995,* Jennette, Sept. 18, 1852
3996,* Mary Holmes, Spet. 29, 1856