Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-09-01
Sudden Close of Somewhat Remark
able Career.


lam c. Hill in Seattle, Wash, was great shock
to his many friends and acquaintance in this
city. Mr.. Pcarsall, the cashier of the Citizens
National Bank, where Mr.. Hill kept his account,
received yesterday a brief dispatch from j. J.
Sturgis, a brother-in-law of Mr.. Hill living in
Seattle, stating that Mr.. Hill diod Saturday of
apoplexy. Mx- Hill was in the prime of life
and when he was here few months ago he
appeared to be enjoying his usual vigorous
health. The sad intelligence Of his death was,
therefore. very unexpected and it was heard
with genuine sorrow by all who
know Mr.. Hill and appreciated his rare
qualities of mind and heart He leaves a wife
and family Of eight children. His home life
was specially a happy one. He was domestic
in his tastes and habits. and mis- plans for the
future were largely shaped by considerations
for their happiness and welfare. They are
now living in Dresden. Germany, to which
place they removed from this city about
two years ago, when Mr.. Hill decided
to go into business in Seattle. The education
of the children, subject to which Mr.. Hill de-
voted good deal of attention, being car
RED on under the direction of Mrs Hill Last
Christmas Mr.. Hill made the long journey from
Seattle to Dresden for the purpose OF spend
ing week with his family. He was alb
sent about six weeks and during that
time he travelled about $4,000 miles.
d
estate in this city and was one Of the boldest rs
we'll as the most successful operator in real
estate here. His property interests in Seattle
are also very large and one of the local papers
printed there recently published list of the
large taxpayers of Seattle and the name
Of Mr.. Hill appeared third on the list.
His life Of forty-three years has been
varied one and possesses features which
would make a narrative of his career read like
fiction. He was born in Indiana and came to
tx-o
and secured a clerical position in the Census
Bureau. When he lost his place and when his
fortunes were at the lowest ebb he married.
His wife was a Miss Sturgis. the daughter of
Judge Sturgis. who was formerly the chief of
the railroad division in the Office of the Secre-
tary of the Interior. To friend who was ac-
quainted with his financial circumstances and
who expressed surprise at his marriage he said:
well, know that if don't get married will
never amount to anything and am going to
begin my career now"
He had struggle to get along. but finally
secured clerkship in the General Land Office
where he gained knowledge of the land bust
ness. which afterward proved of great value to
HIM About twelve years ago he left the Land
Office and for time was private secretary to
Senator Booth Of California. He then began
the exercise Of those talents which has enabled
him in short period to amass a
fortune. His judgment, which seemed
to be unerring convinced him that the public
he commence buying and selling public land
scrip. He made money rapidly. He then
turned his attention to suburban real estate in
the vicinity Of this city and about the year
1882 he began to buy up land along Massa-
ehusetts avenue extended. He was
among the first to see the future
probabilities of that section Of the country,
but his means were not equal to carrying all the
land which he had purchased and he subse-
quently sold it at a good advance. He had also
purchased the old Columbian College
property, now University Park, and
proceeded to develop it He was very
successful in handling this property
and built a large number Of residences there.
At the time OF his death he still owned large
interests in that locality as well as valuable
property in the city. He was very successful
in his ventures in Seattle and to his friends he
spoke of resting from business in the
course OF couple Of years. BY that
time he thought that he would
have made all the money that he desired.
Hr. Hill was delightful man socially and had
generous kindly nature. Those admitted to
his friendship became his ardent admirers. and
the news of his death was received here with
a sorrow that showed what a firm hold he had
upon the affections Of those who knew him.