James M. Fish (Term 1900 - 1901)

James M. Fish (December 2, 1834 – May 26, 1923) was the co-founder of the Fish & Hunter Company, a hardware and lumber wholesale and retail distributor in the Black Hills.  Born in Turner, Maine on December 2, 1834, Fish spent his childhood and early adulthood farming and working in sawmills.  In October of 1863 at age 29, Fish enlisted in Company A of the 30th Maine Infantry during the American Civil War.  Two years later Fish was honorably discharged and was mustered out of service in October of 1865.  After his service, Fish moved back Maine where he operated a grocery business in Lewiston, Maine for three years.  In 1870, Fish was elected to the Maine State Legislature and served one term in office.  Seven years later in 1877 at age 43, Fish arrived in the Black Hills, Dakota Territory to try his luck at prospecting.

Initially, Fish came to prospect for gold, but found employment at a local sawmill in Boulder Park (present day US Highway 14A).  Within two  years, Fish purchased this sawmill in 1879 and relocated it to Two Bit Gulch.  His previous experience working and managing a sawmill were noticed by John Hunter who also operated a sawmill near Crook City.  In 1883, both men came together and incorporated the Fish & Hunter Company.  In the ensuing years, the Fish & Hunter Company expanded its business to include mercantile, retail grocery, hardware, retail / wholesale lumber yards and millworks.  At age 66, Fish was elected as Deadwood Mayor and served one term from 1900 to 1901.  On May 26, 1923 at the age of 89, James Fish died and was buried in Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.