Charles J. Hill (1837-1917)

Charles J. Hill was born April 16, 1837, in Medinah county, Ohio. He was the son of Rufus and Polly Hill. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. P.L. Rigg, of Lowell, at 1:30 p.m., October 28, 1917. The first symptoms of his last illness were evidenced about two weeks prior to his demise, being confined to his bed only since October 18. For the three days previous to his departure he was unconscious and entered the next world peacefully and without pain.

He was married in March 1873 to Mary Kesiah Binyon at Sedan, Kan. To this union were born 4 children, who survive him -- Martha B. Sirois, Maude E. Rigg, Jessie M. Barr and Christopher J. Hill, and 11 grand-children and great grand children. The beloved wife and mother's death occurred May 28, 1889. His second marriage was to Laura E. Harwood, June 28, 1913, at Pensacola, Florida. She remains to mourn his death.

Some years of Mr. Hill's life were spent in the service of the government. In September 1861 he enlisted in the Union army and was mustered out as a member of the 66th Illinois Infantry at East Point, Ga., in the year 1864. He was in the service on the western frontier after the war, and during that time had many experiences with the Indians, who at that time occupied that territory. His description of that service he loved to relate to the delight of his children and his grand-children. He was a member of Colfax lodge No. 378 F. & A.M. and Burnham Post G. A.R.

Mr. Hill was always cheerful and considerate. This heritage of cheerfulness, friendship and love will forever be carried in the minds of those he has left.

Funeral services were held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. P.L. Rigg Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. There was a large attendance of his old friends and acquaintances. Rev. J.J. Simpson preached the funeral sermon. The funeral service was in charge of the Masonic lodge and the G.A.R. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery. Undertaker John Castle had charge of the burial service.