Here's a portion of the article concerning the fire: "The flames spread to the Boner building occupied by C. A. Hill. This building had a metal ceiling and was longer in yielding to the flames. This gave opportunity to concentrate efforts on the Beystehner building which was saved....Charles Hill lost his entire stock, fixtures and clothing." A reprint of an article published in The Morris Herald Holiday Supplement of 1888 states: "Among the more prominent houses may be mentioned...Frank Boner,livery ..." 1877-1878 directory lists the following: no Gilchrists and no Mercers but the following for the surname Hill: H. D. Hill; Hugh M. Hill; William Hill A reprint of an article published in the Coal City Courant October 10, 1963 states in part : "Two families of Sufferns were here before the Civil War as were the following ...Hills... Most of these farms were located within three miles of Coal City." No Gilchrists, Hills or Mercers are among the list of casualties of the Diamond Mine Disaster of February 16, 1883. Not much there but I hope it helps you. Barry Jernigan