Robert Clark Minor

Born…July 29, 1863, Houma, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana

Married…Addie Mae Crawford on April 15, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois

Children…Clinton Hill & Robert Hill – twins born August 13, 1902, Leah Mae – born January 4, 1904, Walter Jerome – born August 12, 1905

Career…An employee of the Great Northern Railway for much of his adult life.  First as a dining and sleeping car worker, later as the steward on railway president James J. Hill’s private car (number A-18, also known as the “President’s Special”). For over twenty years Minor managed operations of the private car, keeping the highest standards when in use by Hill, his family, and business associates. A-18 was a symbol of the power and influence of the railroad and its president.

Minor also worked on Hill’s yacht, the Wacouta, and assisted Hill at the Great Northern offices in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Minor was a respected and valued employee of the Great Northern Railway.

Member of…Mason’s Pioneer Lodge No. 1 (Saint Paul, MN), St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church (St. Paul, MN)

Where Robert Minor lived in Saint Paul…

• 93 Summit Avenue (1890)
• 300 Carroll Avenue (1893)
• 324 Farrington Street (1896)
• 471 West Central Avenue (1908)

Died…May 11, 1947, Asheville, North Carolina, buried in St. Paul

JJH Trivia…After James J. Hill’s death on May 29, 1916, Mary Hill named Robert Minor as one of the pallbearers for her husband.

There is much more to Robert Minor’s story – read my article in the Winter 2015 issue of Ramsey County History magazine. Some great illustrations and insight into the important role Robert Minor played in his community and the personal connection with James J. Hill, his family, and business associates.

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about Robert Minor or the history of Saint Paul, Minnesota.