Autobiographical Sketch of George O. Hill, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/newspapers/gohillbio.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= April 2004 A SHORT SKETCH OF CAPT. G. O. HILL ---------------------------- Fifty-two years ago, about the first of Nov., 1863, I enlisted as a volunteer in the Confederate States’ army at Macon, Ga., lacking three months then of being sixteen years old. I served to the end of the war between the states, my regiment, 5th Ga. Reserves, surrendering under the command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston at Greensboro, N.C. The latter part of 1865, and former months of 1866 I attended school. The fall months of ’66 and whole year of ’67 I taught school in my native state. The subsequent four years I was employed in a cotton mill. In 1872 I began farming, and in Dec., 1875, married and settled where I still live. Will say here the eighty acres of land on which I built my home and raised my family was purchased from the savings of the first [three?] years after I became twenty- [obscured] years of age. I have never experienced one hour’s regret at having entered into a connubial compact with my darling helpmeet. In all the years past since that memorable event there never has been a jar or schism, an angry word harshly spoken, between wife and me to this day. Our association, as has been so aptly said before, has been “one grand, sweet song.” We have fondly cherished each other in sickness and in health, as well as in trials and sorrows. We have raised nine children—three boys and six girls—to womanhood and manhood, without one of them becoming addicted to the use of strong drink or tobacco in any form while under my domicile. I have never been taxed with a doctor’s bill for one of them during their raising save the setting of a fractured arm of my baby boy several years ago. I have lived to see the last one of them “buried with Christ in baptism,” all of whom are faithful members of the Church of Christ in good standing. Since I began farming, forty-three years ago, I have never bought a bushel of corn or pound of meat, except in a few instances where I may have sold too short in the spring or summer. I have never bought a horse or mule, a cow or hog, nor a fowl of any kind—have always raised them at home. I have always given a wide berth toward the credit system with its high prices. Have always taken my stand on the right side of all moral and political issues springing up, and have boldly entered the front ranks battling for progressive education. My sympathy and sacrifice has ever been inclined toward the welfare of the rural, common people, especially the greater uplift of country boys and girls. These reminiscences are penned without any degree of braggadocio whatever; or without even a suspicion that my life has been an ideal one, in the least; but because for many long years I have been prominent before the public as an occasional correspondent of our county press, and also for the possible benefit these ruminations may be to my numerous family of children and grand-children. As I am not a candidate for any office I feel free to write without fear or favor as a critic. I have nearly finished my course, I am sure. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” While my hand remains unpalsied, and my mind unimpaired, I will continue to serve our county press to the end. I wish peace and plenty, comfort and consolation, to The Leader and its numerous host of readers during 1916. G. O. HILL Wedowee, Rt. 2, Jan. 7, 1916. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 19 January 1916, p.1] ---------- There is a photograph of George O. HILL appearing next to his sketch on page 1. George O. HILL, 28 January 1848—20 July 1939, Betty GRIMES HILL, 8 February 1853—26 May 1949, his wife, Mary HILL BOONE, 23 October 1883—3 April 1979, probably his daughter, All interred in the City/Masonic Cemetery, Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama.