Barber County Kansas

The Oskaloosa Independent, 27 Nov. 1869.

Obituary: Benjamin Hillman, Esq.

Killed, by the falling in of a coal bank, on Monday, Nov. 22nd, 1869, near Grasshopper Falls, Kas., Benjamin Hillman, Esq., aged about 49 years- Mr. Hillman came to this county in an early day. He purchased, and settled on a quarter-section of land, about 4 miles north of the Falls, where he has since resided, and for his many noble qualities as a man and a citizen he was greatly respected. He was a man of strong will, performing what he purposed. This trait of character caused him some trouble, but I think it really made him no enemies, for those who knew him best, knew that the innate goodness of his heart, his integrity of purpose, and his stern, unswerving honesty, would, invariably, lead him to do right; and, with him, he had rather be right than King. He was a man of great industry, and surprising energy, and knew no such word as fail. His interest in the cause of common schools and education in general was remarkable. He was determined that not only his own children, but all of the children of his District should not want for the facilities to obtain a good common school education, and to that end he bent all his energies. No poor child in his District was allowed long to want for necessary books. He often visited the school, and knew well its wants and necessities, and his purse and hand were ever ready to supply the needful.

School District No. 2, one of the best country districts in the County, owes to him a debt of gratitude she will never be able to pay, and her fine commodious school house, I hope, will long stand as a monument to his memory. Mr. H. lent all his great energies to the erection of that house; getting the bonds of the district, then pledging his own individual credit to raise money on them, selling off his stock and crops to redeem them, till finally he owns all of the outstanding bonds himself.

Stricken down as it were in the "twinkling of an eye," in the strength and vigor of his manhood, may the good he has done long live after him.

Another of the old land-marks of the early days of Jefferson county has gone. The Falls has truly suffered great loss in the death of two such men as James Frazer and Benj. Hillman.

Let the broad mantle of charity cover their errors in the grave whither we are all tending, but let their virtues be remembered and imitated as long as their memory shall last.

Mr. Hillman now sleeps peacefully beside her who in life's rosy morn took his hand trustingly and lovingly in hers till death should them part. A few years ago, after a long and painful illness, he laid her to rest. We all remember well the agony of the strong man as he saw the slight form of her be so fondly cherished, laid from his sight forever. Suddenly, and without a moment's warning, he has been called to join her in that land where parting is no more. Let us hope and trust that now "life's fitful fever " is o'er, it is well with him. Let those of the family who survive him put their trust in Him "who doeth all things well." And may this sudden and awful dispensation be a warning to us all, to be prepared for the coming of that messenger whose inexorable hand is never stayed. Oskaloosa, Nov. 25th "B" (Benjamin Hillman was a resident of Jefferson County, Kansas)

Also see:

John W. HILLMAN a.k.a. John W. HILLMON, son of Benjamin Hillman.

Thanks to Richard Wellman for finding, transcribing and contributing the above obituary to this web site!
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