Truman Hamilton (1883 – 1940) was the son of Ezra “Struck-It-Rich” Hamilton, famed gold miner, and early Antelope Valley pioneer. Truman moved to the Willow Springs area in 1900 to help his father develop a small community. They also erected a two-stamp mill and operated the Lida gold mine together.
Truman also worked as the proprietor of the Rosamond Hotel, and in 1912, became the Rosamond postmaster. Later, he served as a school board trustee clerk for the South Kern County Union School District. In 1922, Truman made a career-switch and became deputy to Mojave constable Frank Drake. Truman held this position for quite some time, retiring in 1940.
Truman was well-known for his embodiment of the “Old West” style, and once made headlines in Los Angeles for being an “unarmed hero”, responsible for handling and detaining an armed and dangerous escaped convict.
Truman Hamilton (right) is shown here, alongside an unidentified fellow hunter.
"Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013.
Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"
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