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ISAAC HILL is one of the successful farmers of Jefferson County, to whom fortune has been exceedingly generous in her gifts. He is at present residing on section 33, Moore's Prairie Township, where he has a finely improved farm upon which he has placed many valuable improvements. He was born and reared in Franklin County, this state, near Ewing, the date of his birth being March 9, 1845. John W. and Margaret Hill, the parents of our subject, were natives respectively of Illinois and Alabama. The former was born in Hamilton County, where he was educated in the common schools, and for manj' years was a farmer. He was a man well informed and intelligent, and for three terms was County Judge of Franklin County. He also occupied the responsible position of County Treasurer for one term, and was Justice of the Peace for over thirty years. He was a Democrat in politics and was a steadfast supporter of the party's principles, in which he firmly believed. He made his home near Ewing, where he owned a large farm. The father of our subject had a brother who fought as a soldier during the Mexican War; he was a great hunter and an expert in the use of his rifle. The paternal grandfather of our subject came from England, and located first in Virginia, whence he later removed to North Carolina, and finally went to Hamilton County in 1808, where he was one of the earliest pioneers. Isaac, of this sketch, was named after his great-grandfather, who came to Illinois with his son and assisted in organizing the first Baptist association in the state of which we have any account, and which was located at a place called Unity, in Jackson County. Isaac Hill, Sr., departed this life in Hamilton County in 1828, when fifty-six years of age. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation, and a Democrat in politics. He was very prominent in church circles, and was actively connected with the Baptist Church. He fought as a soldier in the War of 1812, in which conflict the grandfather of our subject on his mother's side also participated. The parental family consisted of twelve children, of whom all are living with the exception of two. They are, Richard, James, our subject, George W.; William A., deceased; John W., Charles M., Nancy J., Robert T., Margaret A., Andrew J., and an infant deceased. The family average nearly six feet in height, and one year ago their average weight was two hundred and twenty-seven pounds. They are all farmers with the exception of George W., who is engaged in law practice in Murphysboro, this state. Mrs. Margaret Hili departed this life March 11, 1892, when seventy-one years of age. Isaac Hill, of this sketch, received a common school education, and later attended the Normal University in Bloomington, but on account of illhealth was not permitted to complete the course of study in that institution. His brother George W. is a graduate of McKendree College, and all the younger members of the family have been given a collegiate education. Our subject remained at home until reaching his twenty-second year, when he was married to Miss Mary Nelson, and made his home in Franklin County until 1885, when he came to this section and located on his present farm. Their union has been blessed by the birth of six children, of whom Sallie, George W. and Isaac R. are living. John II. met his death when in his twentieth year by the accidental discharge of a revolver. Charles L. and William S. are also deceased. Mrs. Mary Hill departed this life in May, 1876, and two years later our subject was married to Miss Sarah Sargent. To them were born seven children, Samuel S., Margaret J., James T., Emery, Albert, Lemuel and Julia; the two latter are deceased. Mr. Hill taught school for many terms, but during his later life has given his entire attention to farm pursuits. He is a member of the Baptist Church, in which society he is very prominent. He is a free-trade Democrat in politics, and his popularity is shown by the fact that he was elected Supervisor in a township which was largely Republican. He has always taken an active part in public affairs, and was a member of the building committee at the time of the erection of the courthouse, and was also a member of the Board for three terms. He is now prominently mentioned as a candidate for the State Board of Equalization in this district, and we have no doubt but that he will receive the nomination and later the election.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
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