HILLIS, James D. - Putnam

Dr. Hillis was born near Bainbridge in Putnam County on September 15, 1854 and was the son of James and Elizabeth (Swift) Hillis, deceased. He resided on his father’s farm until 15 years old and entered Asbury (now DePauw) University at Greencastle. He took the regular classical courses but left that school in his sophomore year.  While there, he became a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He then became principal of the Putnamville schools and remained for a period of two years.

Giving up his educational position, Dr. Hillis entered the office of Dr. Wilcox at Greencastle and studied medicine for three years. He then entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where he remained until the spring of 1878 when he opened an office and began the practice of medicine at Darlington, Ind. He remained there until the summer of 1879, when he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and took a post-graduate course.  On July 1, 1880 he received the degree of doctor of medicine, receiving the honors of his class and being elected the president.  Dr. Hillis then returned to Darlington where he practice medicine until 1890.  In that year he came to Lafayette and had since resided here. For many years he had enjoyed an extensive practice and was recognized as one of the city’s leading physicians. He was a member of the Tippecanoe County Medical Society and Indiana State Medical Society.  He in every way endeavored to keep up with the spirit of progress in the science of disease and its treatment. While he conducted a general family practice, of late years Dr. Hillis made a specialty of bacteriology, toxicology and electrical science for the treatment  of disease.  He was one of the pioneers in the use of X-ray.  In the spring of 1897, Dr. Hillis was elected to the chair of electro-therapeutics at Purdue University and held that position for some time. During the administration of President Grover Cleveland he served as secretary of the Tippecanoe County Board of Pension examiners.  In 1906, Dr. Hillis was appointed Secretary of the City Board of Health and served continuously until 1914. He was again appointed in 1918 and served until 1920 when he resigned.  He was a staunch democrat in politics and was always active in the affairs of the party. For several years he served as chairman of the city central committee.  Dr. Hillis was also an ardent lover of outdoor sports and spent much time in fishing and hunting.  He was one of the organizers of the Tippecanoe County Fish and Game Protective Association and was a director of the organization.  

Dr. Hillis became a member of the Knights of Pythias at Crawfordsville and was a charter member of the Darlington Lodge of the same order.  He was honored by being made its first chancellor commander.  He was also a member of the Uniform Rank, K of P and belonged to Company No 1 of this city.  He was also a Master Mason, member of the Independent Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of Druids.

On Sept 20, 1910, Dr. Hillis was united in marriage to Mrs. Edna E. Robinson who with one daughter, Elizabeth Hillis survives.  He is also survived by two stepchildren, Mrs. JD Bellinger of this city and Francis S. Robinson of Chicago. The body arrived in Lafayette at 1:40 o’clock Friday afternoon over the Big Four Railroad and was taken to the family home, 804 Columbia Street. – kbz