Kalkaska County MI Archives Biographies.....Hill, H U 1825 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Pat McArthur http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00025.html#0006091 February 15, 2009, 8:03 pm Author: H.R. Page & Co., 1884 - Chicago "The Traverse Region, Historical and Descriptive, with Illustrations of Scenery and Portraits and Biographical Sketches of some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers" Chicago: H.R. Page & Co., 1884 Page 316 H. U. HILL was born in Ontario County, N. Y., in the year 1825. His parents removed to Chautauqua County. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty- ninth New York Infantry, and remained in the service until September, 1864. In the spring of 1867 he went to Iowa in pursuit of a home in a new country, but not liking the climate, did not make a location. He was at that time a reader of the New York Tribune, which was then publishing letters from Michigan descriptive of the country. He was broken in health as the result of his army experiences, but had sons old enough to engage in labor. They decided to try the new country in Michigan. In September, 1867, Mr. Hill came to the Traverse Region. He landed at Traverse City and spent several days examining maps and making inquiries regarding the country. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad was projected although not surveyed. He was of the opinion that such a road would be built, and desired to select a location as near the line of the road as possible. Taking a land looker he visited the present township of Clearwater, and thence into other townships. He finally made a location on Section 32, of Town 28 north, of Range 7, now in the town of Rapid River. He took up a homestead of eighty acres, and subsequently located another eighty acres adjoining. He was accompanied by one son, and they immediately went at work and built a good log house, completing it in December. In October his family came to Traverse City by way of the straits, and were taken to their new home by team. He lived on his farm until the fall of 1880, when he removed to the village. Mr. Hill was the first judge of probate in the county, and held that office until 1881. He was the first justice of the peace in the county, being elected in the spring of 1868. The county at that time belonged to Antrim County. He also held the office of supervisor for several years, and was president of the county Farmers' Club for some time. Married in 1846, at Ripley, Chautauqua County, N.Y., to Climena P. Bigelow. She died June 1, 1879. Seven children were born to them, of whom four are now living. Mr. Hill is now a justice of the peace. The first school in Rapid River was taught by Mrs. H.U. Hill at her home, in the summer of 1868. The first school-house was built in 1869. It was of hewed logs and is still standing. Mrs. Hill and her daughter Eliza taught the first three terms of school in the township. Both are now dead. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/kalkaska/bios/hill206nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 3.3 Kb