The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1875-09-16
SUICIDE OF A DISTINGUISHED Musr.


identified with interests in Now York
tor tho last half century. ITo was
born in Boston, and took his first loss
son there. Coming to Now York. bo
continued his studios hore. A0or
completing them, ho gavo lessons upon
the violin and piano. IIo became q
popular teacher, and was o leader in
everything connected with music at
that time. The only musical associa.
tlon that was at all prominent was
the Now York sacred music society.
OF which Mr. Hill was conductor.
Tho old standard oratorios, tho "NIcs.
siah, ""Creation" and others were the
tavoritc pieces Tho concerts woroc
given in tho old Chatham Stroct
chapel. In 1885 ho went to Europe
in company with Mr.. Pfciffcr, who
was fellow worker with him in all
his efforts to advanc. tho study of
music in Now York. After staying
short time in London Mr.. Hill went
to Casscl to study under Louis Spohr,
tho celebrated violinist and composer.
who at that timo was musical dircc>
tor at tho Court theatre in Cassel
Mr.. Hill remained in EuroDc about
two years and half, and thon re-
turned to Now York, whcro ho re,
sumod tho practice Of his profession
Music had not advanced much during.
his absence. Anthony Rolf and his
brother wore the only bassoon players
in tho city, possibly in the country.
Tho first bassoon which was ovcr
hoard in tho United States was played
by Anthony Roiff's brother in tho or
chcstra Of tho Park theatre in 1917.
The Philharmonic society was tho
prido of Mr.. Hills lifo. He was its
president tor many years, and played
hrst violin in the orchestra up to two
years ago, when his ago made ncccs-
sary his removal from tho post. This
removal, added TO pocuniary ombar-
rasmcnts which grew on him with
ago, prcycd upon his mind. IIo was
never tho samo man afterwards. He
had mover been careful man with
his money, and ho found it moro and
moro difficult to gain pupils. He was
not quite up to tho approved method
of teaching tho piano and violin.
Difficulties began to press upon him
severely. lIo was recently employed
as one ono of the extra forco in tho
orchestra at WalIack's theatre, during
tho engagement of Miss Mathews.
The force was diminished, and Mr..
Hill was one of those who wcro dis,
charged. Lie at once set to work to
arrange for tho giving OF q concert by
his daughter at the Tabernacle in
Jcrsoy City, on October 13. He was
unsuccessful in securing tho co-oporas
ton Of othcr musicians. This was
great disappointment to him, as, he
had great hopcs in his daughter, and
was very anxious for her success.
Late on Thursday night, after giving
+ his daughter her lesson, ho took NOR.
phinc, from the effects of which ho
died on the following day. Tho fol-
lowing letter, which was found in his
room, explains tho act and gives some
indication Of the unsettled state of his
mind at the time:
New York, September, 1875.
My DEAR WIFE, MRs. LUcGE G.
IIILL-Thc fatal climax seems at
hand. If it must como, the sooner the
better. For my part l am dcmoral-
zcd, and | feel like dronc about tho
house. [ am aged, discouraged, etc.
Strong fears of ioaing our place, which
is almost suro to happen unless somc-
thing turns up very soon in tho way
Of an income. Thoro arc scores of
other things that havo been driving
mo towards my final doom, and | am
at timcs crazy, mortified and cha>
grincd beyond conception. SO long
has boon my ovory kind of agony and
suffering that il must end with nc
worry soon. Why should or how Can
n man exist and be poworIoss to earn
means for his family? L havo tried
long and hard enough to do sold
| 4. L