The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-26
TIE YALE ROYS, LOSS
Genial Ell Hin. who Gave tho students the
Polish of billiards.

NEW HAVEN, March 23.-Ell Hill, known
10 every one in New Haven and to Yale students
for twenty years as Eli" died suddenly yes
lerday. There are comparatively young lcgis-
lators i'm many OF tho state Assemblies who
received much Of their collegiate trimming in
Els parlors which wero in Church street. next
door to tho New Haven Post Onlco, and 1t has
been said that some Of our younger clergymen
Of promise might have been found of n summer
afternoon at Els in their shirt sleeves and q
billiard cue in their hands.
Eli was Just as fat. jolly. and stumpy when no
first set himself up as side tutor for the young
men of Yale. ms he was when he died. He wore
the same yellow chin whskcr twenty years ago.
and his smile was always the same. He began
life as gunsmith. learning his trade in the old
armory in Whitnoyvllc About twenty years
ago he opened his billnrd parlors and then
speedily became an important adjunct Of Yale
COLLEGE; For many vents he md his brother
Alfred kept billiard parors in the Odd Follows
building In Church street Subsequently Ell
rented the large room under the hall. where
theatrical performances bad been given tor
part. II the theatre was bad. the students
could retire to Els although both the theatre
ana billiards arc forbidden 10y the college con,
sutution. Aiterward ne gave up me billiard
profession and opened cigar shop with
S9sy barro,3m. aand GGyG, HI ilme To- spot In;
youths 81 Nalc upon the proper odds 10 give or
take. He WAS always an enthusiastic hacker OF
lalo at the races with Harvard and of course
fNvOrite with tho students. \ few years ago he
opened u sea shore resort nt West Haven. called
the Homestead. and his good humor and good
dinners drew large custom. II was here that
Ell died. He sat in his chair. and passed away
almost without warming
Some years ago there was q student from
Minnesota who WIS nblc to make n run Of
twenty-lyc. Mt the old four ball game. and
could give odds to every student in the college.
IN his enthusiasm and pride. he once told Eli
that he could beat any man in New Haven.
can produce a man tonight who can beat
you. lay Won out so you won't know whore you
came from said Eli.
III het ten dollars he can't"
Put NJ your money"
II WINS uoised through college that student
would meet an unknown for ten dollars and
Els place was crowded At about o'clock
Eli wnddlod in With q sad looking young man.
IN somewhat sccdy garmonis
This il my man" said Eli. The student
lookeS AT the stranger with scorn. Tho game
WINS begun. The student made little run Of
ten. aud the stranger missed and called for a
drink. II wont on this way for a few innings,
and the student slyly winkcd at his cOmpan-
ions, " last the stranger launched out. Ell
stood by chuckling Tho students stood by
amazed The stranger was p.ling up tho runs
ns nm artist would have piled them w. and at
last T." ran out the game.
Well - said Eli. huhhling NIL over with
laughter. now you are through. let mo intro
ducc you q the man who bent you, the cX-
champion. William Gollthwaitc." II was Gold
thwHito who had been in town a day or two. and
then not IN the best Of circumstances.