Hill, James M. 'Yankee' 1820-1890

HILL, STONE, DEHAVEN

Posted By: Audrey Haught, volunteer
Date: 4/1/2017 at 02:33:20

An Old Settler Gone.

Last Sunday morning at two o’clock, occurred the death of James M. Hill, of St. Olaf, better known to our readers as Yankee Hill.

To all the news of his death was a sad surprise, and to the many who met him on the county fair grounds last week, when he seemed to be enjoying the best health it seemed impossible that he should have passed from earth.

The cause of his death was neuralgia of the heart. For some time past he has been subject to severe neuralgic pain through his chest, and on Saturday night they were more severe than usual. He found it impossible to sleep and several times arose and walked about the house. It was during one of these walks that the disease went to his heart, and before assistance could be summoned he was beyond all earthly aid.

Mr. Hill was a native of Oneida county, New York, where he was born May, 16th, 1820, consequently, he was 70 years, 3 months and 29 days of age at the time of his death. He received his early education in the east, and after leaving school, he was employed for a time as traveling salesman for a woolen manufactory. This he abandoned for the life of a farmer, and in 1858 he came to Clayton county.

During his long residence here he followed various occupations, selling agricultural implements, farming, and finally in 1880 he located at St. Olaf, running a restaurant and boarding house.

He was married September 2nd, 1843 to Matilda Stone, of New York, who with the one child was born to them, Mrs. J.W. DeHaven, of North McGregor, survive him.

Mr. Hill was a wholesouled man, always ready to share with his more needy neighbor and so far as we know had not an enemy in the world. No matter to him whether fortune smiled or frowned he was cheerful. His friends are all those who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance, and all will regret that death has claimed him.

The funeral took place on Monday, and his remains were followed to their last resting place in the Elkader cemetery by a large number of relatives and friends.

Elkader Register: September 18, 1890