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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published by Biographical Review Publishing Company in 1896.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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HENRY W. HILL, Town Clerk and Treasurer of Williamsburg, Mass., was born in this town, June 16, 1844, son of Otis and Philena (Packard) Hill. Mr. Hill is a descendant of Samson Hill, who came from Hatfield to Williamsburg in 1775, and, clearing a good farm, resided thereon until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty years. Mr. Hill’s grandfather, Ephraim Hill, succeeded to the ownership and occupation of the farm, and devoted his energies to its cultivation and improvement. He died in 1851, aged eighty years. His children were: Hiram, Russell, Calvin, Otis, Wealthy, Sarah, Cynthia, and Electa.

Otis Hill, the fourth son of Ephraim, as named above, was born in Williamsburg, April 1, 1808. After completing his studies in the district schools he taught school for several terms, and then in company with his brother Hiram engaged in the manufacturing of broom handles, wooden boxes, and buttons at the old mills, which were located just above the village. He later bought his brother’s interest, and continued in business until failing health caused him to relinquish the enterprise, when he retired to the old homestead, where he passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. Otis Hill was prominently identified with public affairs for many years. He followed the majority of the old Whig element into the ranks of the Republican party at its formation, and served as a Selectman for several years, was Town Clerk and Treasurer for twenty years, and in 1857 was a member of the House of Representatives. He died December 27, 1883. His wife, Philena Packard, became the mother of the following children: Lemira A., Melvin W., Hiram G., Henry W., and John W. Mrs. Philena P. Hill died in 1865, at the age of fifty-three years.

Henry W. Hill was educated in the schools of Williamsburg, and then entered mercantile business as a clerk for D. W. Lovell, in Cummington, Mass., where he remained a few months. In 1870 he engaged in running an express from Williamsburg to Northampton, and three years later bought an interest in the button manufactory established by his brother, Hiram G. Hill. When the Co-operative Creamery was started, Mr. Hill was elected clerk and treasurer of that enterprise, a position which he still holds. He is a Republican in politics, and was School Committee for six years. He was elected Town Clerk and Treasurer in 1894, and is President of the Williamsburg Library Association.

On October 28, 1868, Mr. Hill was married to Mary S. Morton, daughter of Nehemiah M. and Asenath S. (Miller) Morton. Mr. Morton, who was a prosperous farmer of Williamsburg, died July 8, 1878. His widow is still living, and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Hill. Of the two children born to Mr. Hill and his wife, the only son, named Harry, died in infancy. The daughter, Myra A., is now a student at Mount Holyoke College. The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. Hill is a Deacon, and has been for thirty years organist. Mr. Hill also owns real estate in the village, besides his very pleasant residence.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Biographical Review Volume of Biographical Sketches of The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts published in 1896. 

View additional Hampshire County, Massachusetts family biographies here: Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

View a map of 1901 Hampshire County, Massachusetts here: Hampshire County Massachusetts Map

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