HILLMAN, Mary Nina 1886-1916

HILLMAN, MILLER, CULVER

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 2/5/2012 at 09:42:14

Mary Nina Hillman – February 15, 1886 – April 3, 1916

Mary Nina Hillman's birth place was near Mitchell, South Dakota, the daughter of William C and Mary (Miller) Hillman.

Her parents belonged to the sturdy pioneers from Iowa, who strong in character, but poor in worldly possessions, have helped make that state what it is today. The date of her birth was February 15, 1886 and three weeks later the tired mother said farewell to her husband and children and entered into her eternal rest.

Mary's early childhood was spent among near relatives in South Dakota. When eight years of age her oldest sister sent for her to come here and the home of Mr. and Mrs. Miles K. Culver became her home, where she took the place of a daughter.

This is how she came to belong to St.Ansgar, to be educated in the schools to become a part of it social life, and how that her last resting place is in the cemetery on the hill.

While away from here she attended Wesleyan University at Mitchell, South Dakota, and taught school in that state. In 1905 while in the hospital at Iowa City for a surgical operation, she conceived the ambition to become a trained nurse, but it was April 1910 before circumstances and health would permit her to begin the necessary training.

November 11,1913, after numerous delays due to ill health, including severe attacks of inflammatory rheumatism, she graduated with highest honors from St. John's Lutheran Hospital at Sioux City and at the examination of the State Board at Des Moines following, she received the highest standing in a large class.

Later she was offered a position as superintendent of a hospital in Wyoming but declined on account of the distance from home. She remained in Iowa and continued the practice of her chosen profession and with her ability as a nurse, her winning personality, her tact and skill in handling her patient’s, she had marked success and would have early reached the head of her profession.

Mary passed away on April 3, 1916 and was buried in Saint Ansgar Cemetery, Mitchell Co., Iowa.