Henry D. Hill is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Adams county, on the 14th of December, 1844. He is a son of Davis and Nancy C. Hill, who are natives of Kentucky. The father came to Illinois, in 1829, and introduced the first Ben Davis apple that was ever brought to this state, that apple being named for his brother-in-law, Ben Davis. Mr. Hill was a farmer by occupation and carried on that pursuit throughout his entire life in order to provide for his family. He died April 27, 1871, at Lima, and his wife passed away in July, 1880. He had borne his full share in the work of pioneer development, for when he came to the county it was a wild and unimproved region, much of the land being still in its primitive condition. He aided in reclaiming this for the purpose of civilization and was the advocate of all progressive measures that he believed would prove of benefit to the county. Henry D. Hill has one sister living, Mrs. Sarah Harris, who is a resident of Lima. Henry D. Hill acquired his education in the schools of Lima and was reared to farm work early gaining a practical knowledge of the best methods of cultivating the fields and caring for the stock. In early manhood he rented his father's farm, continuing its cultivation until 1879, when he purchased land and has since owned a farm, the development and improvement of which has claimed his attention for many years. He has, however, made his home in Lima for twenty years, taking up his abode there in order to educate his children. His farm comprises one hundred and twenty acres of good land and is situated in Hancock county. In Lima he has one acre of ground and a good residence. At his town home he has a fine orchard and also an excellent apiary, containing two hundred hives of bees, and these yield to him a large amount of honey, which finds a ready sale on the market. On the 3d of June, 1866, Mr. Hill was married to Miss Adelia Leeper, a daughter of Samuel and Lavina Leeper, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Mrs. Hill has one sister, Mrs. Belle Ott, who is living in Denver, Colorado. Onto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, four sons and three daughters: Harry, who was born March 1, 1867, married Effie Woodworth and lives upon his father's farm in Hancock county; Willie A., born November 6, 1871, married Mint Meyers and lives in Ursa township: Lee, born July 2, 1875, died February 7, 1895: Albert, born December 1, 1878, is with his brother at Ursa: Edward, born August 2, 1880, is at home; Bertha, born June 2, 1884, is attending school in Quincy: Mary, born February 3, 1887, is at home and completes the family. The parents and two of the daughters are members of the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Hill gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served in several township offices. He was commissioner of highways several years, was assessor for some time and has been a member of the school board for a number of years, and in the discharge of his duties has ever been prompt, faithful and untiring. His life has been an active one and his prosperity is due to his earnest labors. In all his dealings he has been straightforward and honorable and thus he has gained the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. A resident of Adams county for more than sixty years, he has, therefore, witnessed much of its development and growth and has taken just pride in what has been accomplished. Past and Present of the City of Quincy and Adams County By William H. Collins. S. J. Clark Publishing Co.; 1905, 370-371.