1879 Jesse Thomas Hill
(Lived March 18, 1850 – March 8, 1938)
Jesse Hill became mayor in November 1878, following a time of great sorrow in Chattanooga as 366 citizens fell victim to yellow fever from August – October, 1878. During the epidemic, Hill served as secretary of the Citizens’ Relief Committee, and in addition to performing clerical duties, he helped with the burial duties of the committee.
A relatively new comer to Chattanooga, only living in the city since 1868, Hill had served as Deputy Clerk and Master of the city’s chancery court.