DEATH of Gen. B.J. HILL A deep gloom was cast over city last Tuesday evening by the announcement that Gen. Hill was dead. He died at 12:30 a.m., the 5th inst., in the 54th year of his age. His death was not unexpected, as he had been rapidly failing in health for the past three months, and his physicians had announced several days ago that he could last but a few days at best; notwithstanding this fact, so loath were our people to give him up, and his life was so dear to them that the announcement of his death sent a thrill of sorrow through every heart. Our community has lost one of its noblest spirits - a light has gone out in McMinnville, and there is none to fill its place. He was full of public spirit, ever hopeful of the future, when others despaired Hill was buoyant and cheerful, in prosperity or adversity he was ever the same - ready to give a helping hand to the needy, or a word of cheer to the desponding. To ever good and noble work his heart and his purse was ever open. He served his Senatorial district with honor and distinction in the State Senate; he won distinction in the late war for his sagacity, valor and courage, and was one of the last to surrender the Lost Cause. As a soldier or civilian he challenged the admiration and won the esteem of all who knew him. He was faithful in whatever he undertook, and pursued a good purpose with that tenacity that would allow of no failure. He was buried amid the family cedars in our city cemetery at 10 o'clock yesterday morning, almost our entire citizenship turning out to do honor to his illustrious memory. The funeral services were held in the C.P. Church, conducted by Rev. DeWitt, pastor assisted by Rev. Cowan of the Presbyterian church, Rev. J.M. Walters of the Baptist church, and Rev. Mr. Carter of the M.E. Church. The different orders of the town did honor to his memory by turning out to his funeral, and all business was suspended. It is a solace to those who knew and loved him to know that the General died in the fullness and brightness of a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a happy immortality beyond the grave, of which he gave abundant evidence. His last words were, "All is well." At a meeting of the McMinnville Bar, held on the 7th of January, 1880, to express the feeling of the Bar toward the Gen. B.J. Hill, the following proceedings were had: W.V. Whitson was called to the chair, and J.W. Snodgrass appointed Secretary. T.C. Lind, W.T. Murray and E. Webb were appointed a Committee on Resolutions. The Committee presented the following, which were unanimously adopted: Whereas, It hath pleased the great arbiter of human destiny to take from our midst, in the prime of life and zenith of activity, the immortal part of BENJAMIN J. HILL, who died on the 5th inst., and Whereas, It hath seemed to us, associates with him in the courts of our country, just and becoming to record our testimony to the virtues of our deceased fellow, therefore be it Resolved, That his life and character were distinguished above the common level by sound and generous principles, joined with sentiments humane and just; "That as a citizen he attached all classes by his interest in their personal welfare and his zeal for the public good as a man he gained the partiality of other men, their companions, sires, and offspring, by the exhibition of those kindly traits which make all the world akin; That as a lawyer he displayed a superior capacity and judgment in the field selected for the use of his talents, was faithful to his trusts, and in professional contact dignified, courteous and upright; That if his worth was sometimes obstructed by frailties which in some form are common to us all, the ordinary current of a well ordered life o'er flowed his errors with abundant compensation of well doing; That the community has lost a leading member and a good man; That the surviving partner of his earthly course is entitled to our unfeigned sympathy, which is tendered herewith. Resolved, That the Secretary furnish a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and to the McMinnville New Era and Southern Standard for publication. W.V. Whitson, Chairman J.W. Snodgrass, Secretary. McMinnville New Era (McMinnville, TN) 8 Jan 1880 http://www.tngennet.org/warren/