Cascade Community Cemetery - James Hill

One of Cascade’s most remarkable figures, James Hill, lived a life defined by faith, bravery, and resourcefulness. Before the Civil War, Hill served as a Baptist minister, but when the conflict broke out, he answered the call to defend the Union. Enlisting as a private in the 21st Iowa Infantry, he quickly distinguished himself, rising through the ranks to lieutenant and eventually becoming the unit’s quartermaster.

Hill’s most legendary moment came during the Battle of Champion Hill, a pivotal engagement in General Ulysses S. Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign. The date was May 16, 1863, and Hill, then 40 years old, was tasked with rallying scattered troops and gathering provisions for his unit as they prepared to press forward. As he searched for supplies, the dense Mississippi forest closed in around him, and he found himself lost—only to accidentally stumble into enemy territory.

It was here that Hill's quick thinking and courage shone. Emerging from the underbrush, he came face-to-face with three Confederate soldiers. Alone and outnumbered, Hill had to act decisively. In a commanding voice, he ordered the rebels to “Ground arms!” The startled soldiers did as he said. Hill then collected their weapons and, without missing a beat, issued firm instructions for them to march in single file toward Union lines. To maintain control, he also shouted orders to an imaginary group of Union soldiers he pretended were surrounding the prisoners. His ruse worked flawlessly.

Escorting his captives safely back to Union territory, Hill demonstrated exceptional bravery and presence of mind. His actions not only bolstered his reputation but also earned him the respect of his comrades. Shortly after this remarkable feat, Hill was appointed chaplain of the 21st Iowa Infantry, where he provided spiritual guidance and support to his fellow soldiers.

Decades later, in 1893, James Hill was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary conduct at Champion Hill. His ability to remain calm under pressure, coupled with his quick wit and strategic thinking, secured his place in history as one of Cascade’s most inspiring figures.

While Hill’s story showcases courage on the battlefield, Cascade also played an unexpected role in another dramatic chapter of the Civil War—one that unfolded far from the front lines.

In the spring of 1864, Confederate spy and raider John Y. Beall arrived in Cascade, Iowa, wounded and seeking refuge. His brother had come to Cascade earlier to work in the milling business with Thomas Chew, whose wife's family had long-standing ties to the Bealls in Virginia. Trusting in this connection, Beall turned to the Chew home for aid.

He arrived at dusk in early June, hiding at the back of the house until Mrs. Chew stepped outside for water. Weak and injured, he called out to her, identifying himself and asking for protection. She brought him inside, fed him, and led him to an upstairs room. When she consulted her husband, he instructed her to care for Beall’s wound “as a man,” but not to acknowledge him “as a rebel.”

Mrs. Chew removed bone fragments and nursed Beall back to health throughout the summer. His presence remained a secret, known only to a few close friends of the family. During his stay, Beall kept to himself, reading a Bible given to him by Stonewall Jackson and browsing books in the Chew household. He never revealed his true mission in the North.

Once he recovered, Beall continued his journey, but his activities soon brought him back into Union hands. Later that year, he was captured while attempting to lead a Confederate plot to seize the USS Michigan and free imprisoned Southern officers from Johnson’s Island. Convicted of espionage and guerrilla warfare, he was executed in February 1865 in New York.

Today, the story of John Y. Beall remains a little-known piece of Cascade’s history, a brief but significant connection to the Civil War and the clandestine movements of Confederate agents far from the battlefields.

But the legacy of service did not end with Hill’s bravery or Beall’s fateful journey.

Throughout history, many men and women from Cascade have answered the call to serve, standing in defense of our country in times of war and peace. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to protect the freedoms we hold dear. Today, we honor their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Their legacy lives on in the values we uphold, the stories we share, and the deep appreciation we hold for those who serve.

Let us always remember and respect those who have worn the uniform, past and present, and express our gratitude for the sacrifices they have made for our nation.