He first attended Nichols Latin School and graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, in 1888.
After graduation from Bates, Hatter then returned to Storer College, where he taught Greek, Latin, and mathematics until 1896, and served on the Board of Trustees until 1906.
During World War I, Hatter spoke publicly on behalf of President Wilson's policies.
Hamilton Hatter died in 1942 and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Bluefield, West Virginia.
[3][4][5] In 1974 Bluefield named the College president's home "Hamilton Hatter Hall".