James Hill (Mississippi politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Hill
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| 23rd Secretary of State of Mississippi | |
| In office January 4, 1874 – January 1878 |
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| Governor | Adelbert Ames John M. Stone |
| Preceded by | Hannibal C. Carter |
| Succeeded by | Kinloch Falconer |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1837/1838 Marshall County, MS |
| Died | (aged 65) |
| Political party | Republican |
James Hill was an important politician and government leader in Mississippi. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in the Mississippi House of Representatives and later became the Secretary of State of Mississippi. This was during a time called the Reconstruction era, right after the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Skills
James Hill was born in Marshall County, Mississippi, in the late 1830s. When he was young, he was enslaved. He learned how to be a machinist, which is someone who builds or repairs machines. He became a very skilled mechanic.
A Career in Politics
James Hill served in the Mississippi House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state. He held important roles there, including Sergeant at Arms and even Speaker. The Speaker is the leader of the House of Representatives.
Secretary of State of Mississippi
From January 4, 1874, to January 1878, James Hill served as the Secretary of State of Mississippi. This is a high-level government job. The Secretary of State usually handles official state records, elections, and other important documents.
He was the last African American to hold a statewide office in Mississippi for a long time. Several other African Americans also served as Mississippi Secretary of State during the Reconstruction era.
After State Office
After his time as Secretary of State, James Hill continued to serve the public. He worked as a postmaster, which means he was in charge of a post office. He also worked as a collector of internal revenues, helping the government collect taxes. He even tried to win a seat in the United States Congress, which makes laws for the whole country.
His Legacy
Around February 1903, James Hill started a weekly newspaper called the Mississippi State Register. This paper was meant for both Black and white readers. Its goal was to bring people together.
James Hill passed away suddenly on June 12, 1903, at the age of 65. Today, you can find a statue of him at Mount Olive Cemetery in Jackson, Mississippi. An elementary school was named after him, which later became Jim Hill High School.
