Jeff Hamilton. Jeff Hamilton, Associate of Governor Sam Houston Born a slave in Kentucky, Jeff Hamilton was still a child when Sam Houston rescued him from purchase by a cruel master at a slave auction. Hamilton was Houston's personal servant during his term as governor, 1859-1861, and was at his bedside when he died in 1863. Hamilton later became the custodian for Baylor Female College (now Mary Hardin-Baylor College) when it was located in Independence. He moved to Belton with the institution in 1886 and worked here until 1889. Before his death in 1941, Hamilton was honored by numerous groups for his association with Sam Houston. (1976) #2744