Henry Hill, a prosperous lumberman and farmer of Scott township, Wayne county, is one of the most influential and popular citizens of his community. In looking back through the vista of the past we see a friendless boy who came to the New World in search of home and fortune; at present we see his ambitious dreams realized, and could the veil of the future be lifted we would doubtless see an honored old age, crowned with the respect and veneration which is accorded a well-spent life.
Mr. Hill was born in Belfast, Ireland, in June, 1847, a son of John and Christina Hill, who spent their entire lives in that country, the father being a farmer. Of their eight children, Mary, Agnes, Martha, John and James are still residents of Ireland, while Robert, Thomas and
our subject came to this country. Robert located in Harford, Penn., where he married Miss Mary Alexander. He was burned to death when his home was destroyed by fire, leaving a wife and four children: Mary, Martha, Agnes and James, still residents of Harford, Susquehanna county. Thomas came to America with our subject in 1862, at the age of
twenty-two years, and for some years engaged in farming in Susquehanna county, Penn. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary E. Alexander, of Harford, where they lived on a farm for about twelve years, and on selling out removed to Scranton, Penn., where he engaged in the stone business and still continues to make his home. He has two children: Mary, Mrs. Tiffany, of Susquehanna county; and William, who is with his father in Scranton.
On coming to the United States, in 1862, Henry Hill also located in Harford, Susquehanna county, where he worked on a farm for nine years, and in 1871 came to Wayne county, where he engaged in lumbering as a contractor for W. G. Underwood, of Lake Como, for a number of years. After his marriage, in 1874, he located in Preston township, where he
continued lumbering, and near Preston Park Station, in that township, he purchased a partially improved farm in 1879, making it his home for two years. He then sold, and bought 156 acres of land in Scott township, near Island Pond, from which heavily wooded tract he has developed a fine place, which he has improved with a good residence and substantial
outbuildings, making it one of the best farms in the township. In 1890 the borough of Starrucca adopted the cash system of road making, and Mr. Hill was employed as superintendent and roadmaster for a term of two years, during which time he faithfully discharged his duties. He was then elected roadmaster for Scott township, and most efficiently served in that capacity until March, 1897, constructing a number of county
bridges and keeping the roads in first-class condition. He now devotes his time and attention principally to his lumbering and farming.
In 1874 Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Miss Ellen A. King, of Starrucca, a daughter of R. K. and Minerva King, well-to-do agriculturists. Four children blessed this union, one son and three daughters. Leone D., born in Preston township, was educated in the public schools of Wayne county, and for several years successfully engaged in teaching; she married E. L. Stanton, of Wayne county, who is now engaged in farming in Windsor, N. Y. Henry Lione, born in Preston township, was educated in the local schools and is still at home with his parents. Anna Pearl and Glennie C., both born in Wayne county, are still attending school.
As a Republican, Mr. Hill has taken a very prominent part in political affairs, has been a delegate to a number of county conventions, was a member of the county committee seven or eight years, and has done much to advance the interests of his party and insure its
success in his locality. He has capably filled several township offices, and during the senatorial contest in 1896 was elected one of the conferees to Montrose, where he took an active part in advancing the interests of his party. In religious connection he and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Endowed by nature with more than ordinary intellectual ability, and having received a fair education, Mr. Hill has succeeded in attaining a position of prominence, and has accumulated a handsome property, all through his own individual efforts.
|
