James J. Hill was born on September 16th, 1838 in Ontario, Canada. James was able to get good schooling in his youth at Rockwood Academy. James's father died when he was only 14, which means James had to quit school. He had to work while his mother ran an inn, he worked with a grocer while being able to study with the reverend. His work with algebra and geometry will help him in his future. James moved to the United States when he was 17 determined to be an animal and fur trader. He settled in St. Paul, Minnesota working for a steamboat company. He lost sight in his right eye from a childhood archery accident, and was rejected from service in the Civil War. While working in St Paul and Pacific railroad it gave him experience in selling,
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They had seven daughters and only one son. Their names are, Louis W. Hill, Gertrude Hill, Ruth Hill, Rachel Hill, Clara Anne, Charlotte Elizabeth, Mary Francis and Katherine Theresa.
Hill gained knowledge from his various employers, and knew how to take advantage of good opportunities. When the Mississippi froze over he was able to secure contracts with grocers to send items by railroad instead of steam engine. Hill was eager to be apart to be apart of the railroad and to help the whole community and surrounding areas.
In 1879 Hill and some partners formed a company that changed bankrupt St. paul railroad into the St. Paul Minnesota and Manitoba Railway company. He then became the president of this company and gained a good reputation. When he decided to expand the plan was deemed “Hill’s Folly.” Hill located the Marias Pass, which is the lowest crossing of the rockies. He also expanded through washington and named it the Great Northern Railway Company. Hill encountered competition from E.H Harriman's Union Pacific Railway. So Hill ended up being an ally with J.P Morgan, they added the Northern Pacific and the chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroads to their empire. This rivalry made the stock market panic in 1901, so the two joined
They had seven daughters and only one son. Their names are, Louis W. Hill, Gertrude Hill, Ruth Hill, Rachel Hill, Clara Anne, Charlotte Elizabeth, Mary Francis and Katherine Theresa.
Hill gained knowledge from his various employers, and knew how to take advantage of good opportunities. When the Mississippi froze over he was able to secure contracts with grocers to send items by railroad instead of steam engine. Hill was eager to be apart to be apart of the railroad and to help the whole community and surrounding areas.
In 1879 Hill and some partners formed a company that changed bankrupt St. paul railroad into the St. Paul Minnesota and Manitoba Railway company. He then became the president of this company and gained a good reputation. When he decided to expand the plan was deemed “Hill’s Folly.” Hill located the Marias Pass, which is the lowest crossing of the rockies. He also expanded through washington and named it the Great Northern Railway Company. Hill encountered competition from E.H Harriman's Union Pacific Railway. So Hill ended up being an ally with J.P Morgan, they added the Northern Pacific and the chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroads to their empire. This rivalry made the stock market panic in 1901, so the two joined