James J. Hill: Philanthropy and Reputation in Twentieth Century St. Paul

Abstract

James J. Hill emigrated from Canada to the United States in the nineteenth century. He quickly rose from lowly clerk to controller of a railroad monopoly and became one of the most powerful figures of the Gilded Age. Hill's Northern Securities Company was prosecuted and tried in St. Paul under the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. The judge's decision in 1904 found his company guilty of violating the antitrust act and the NSC was dissolved. Through the examination of collections of letters, legal documents, and newspaper articles this study will determine how Hill succeeded in overcoming legal troubles to exert great philanthropic influence on the city of St. Paul after his trial. This study will also examine Hill's use of the press to alleviate his blame and maintain his reputation in the Twin Cities.