James J. Hill

Business Executive

Birthday September 16, 1838

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace Canada

DEATH DATE May 29, 1916 (77)

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About

Railroad tycoon who was an active chief executive officer of a number of lines for the Great Northern Railway. He was nicknamed The Empire Builder.

Before Fame

He was blinded in one eye as a child following an incident with a bow and arrow. He built his way up to the railroad empire by first learning about the freight and transportation business and then the coal and steamboat business.

Trivia

He was helped by J.P. Morgan to gain control of the Northern Pacific Railway.

Family Life

He had ten children with Mary Theresa Mehegan who he married in 1867.

Associated With

He is mentioned in the song "Hallelujah! I'm a Bum" by Harry Mcclintock.