James Hill (Marshall County)
State House: 1872-1873
Secretary of State: 1874-1878
Born: July 25, 1846 in Holly Springs, MS
Died: June 12, 1903 in Jackson, MS
Listed on the 1870 census in Holly Springs, occupation “Sergeant at Arms in Leg,” and on the 1880 census in Jackson, working as an Internal Revenue collector. On the 1900 census, he was still living in Jackson, this time working in the land office.
“He has a good taste for literature and delights to converse upon such literary subjects as he is familiar with. He is one of the rising young men in the State, and with proper discretion he will receive future honors from the Republican party… Mr. Hill is a member of the Methodist church, but enjoys a good dance as much as he does a good prayer meeting.”
(New National Era, March 13, 1873)
“Prior to the war, Mr. J. Hill lived on Salem road, about two miles from Holly Springs. One of his slaves, James Hill, was taught by the two daughters of the family. He was the body servant, during the war, of his two young masters, John H. Hill and W. B. Hill. After war he became a Republican, and secured the office of secretary of state, which place he filled from 1874 to 1878. Although a Republican, he did not forget his former masters and mistresses; for at one time when some of the family were ill, he came to assist in caring for them. It is also stated that as the Hill family was in very straightened circumstances after the war, he gave them financial aid. He always went to see his young mistresses, who had married and lived in Holly Springs, every time he came to the town. He was exceedingly well thought of by the citizens, and is remembered as a good negro.”
(WPA history of Marshall County)
Links:
Biography in Mississippi Black History Makers
Memorial on Find A Grave
