Hamilton was one of the first symphony American directors in those years, when most conductors were born and trained abroad.

[2][nb 1] Hamilton was born in 1861 in Kenwood, New York, to Susan C. Williams and Henry W. Burnham.

In 1881, when the Community dissolved, he started traveling as a member of a minstrel group arriving in Los Angeles in 1883.

He worked in Los Angeles both as a printer and musician, with several experiences as director and a member of choirs, bands and orchestras.

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