My Genealogy Hound

HIRAM G. HILL, one of the leading business men of Williamsburg, was born in that town, June 22, 1840, son of Otis and Philena (Packard) Hill. Mr. Hill’s great-grandfather, Samson Hill, came from Hatfield, Mass., to Williamsburg in 1775, and settled upon a tract of wild land. Besides serving his country in the Revolutionary War, he cleared and improved the farm upon which his descendant, J. O. Hill, now resides, and followed agriculture successfully until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty years. His son, Ephraim Hill, Mr. Hill’s grandfather, succeeded to the property, which he increased by purchasing more land. He erected the present house and barn, and conducted the farm with energy, until failing health caused him to retire from active labor. He died in 1851, aged eighty-six years. His wife, who died in 1849, eighty-three years old, was the mother of nine children, namely: Hiram, Russell, Willard, Calvin, Otis, Wealthy, Sarah, Cynthia, and Electa.

Otis Hill, Mr. Hill’s father, was born in Williamsburg, April 1, 1808. He made the best of his opportunities for obtaining an education at the district schools. After completing his studies, he taught school for several terms in the neighborhood during the winter season, his summers being passed in different occupations, but principally in farming. In 1838 he and his brother Hiram purchased the old mills in the village, and commenced manufacturing broom handles, later adding wooden boxes and buttons. In this business they were quite successful. Otis Hill purchased his brother’s interest in 1853, but continued the enterprise only two years longer, when the feeble state of his health compelled him to relinquish the cares of business. He sold out, and thereafter confined himself to agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of both pasturing and handling cattle. His parents passed their declining years with him upon the old farm, and were the objects of his most affectionate care and devotion. He was originally a Whig in politics, and joined the Republican party at its formation. He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for several years. Town Clerk, and Treasurer for twenty years; and in 1856 he represented his district in the legislature. As a business man he was both energetic and progressive, and as such was successful. He was kind-hearted and charitable, a steadfast friend and useful citizen. Otis Hill died December 7, 1883. He was a member of the Congregational church. His wife was the mother of five children; namely, Lemyra A., Melvin W., Hiram G., Henry W., and John W. She died at the age of fifty-three years.

Hiram G. Hill commenced his education in the district schools of Williamsburg, and finished his studies in Amherst. He resided with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one years. At this time he purchased the machinery and other mechanical effects of M. Way & Son, of Williamsburg, and began the manufacture of suspender buttons and moulds. In the autumn of 1861 he bought the factory of W. & W. E. Thayer, and after moving his machinery to his new quarters continued business upon a more extensive scale. He admitted his brother, John W., as a partner; and later another brother, Henry W., became interested in the enterprise. The firm, which was known as Hill Brothers, conducted a successful business until 1880, when Mr. Hiram G. Hill sold his interest to Damon & Wright. Owning the water-power and site formerly occupied by the old grist-mill, which was carried away by the flood of 1874, he erected a new mill there. The building stands upon the solid ledge that was laid bare by the flood, and contains the best improved machinery. Mr. Hill is engaged in grinding and dealing in all kinds of feed, handling about one hundred carloads per year, and also does a large amount of custom grinding for others. He is the owner of the old homestead of his uncle, Hiram Hill, which escaped destruction during the flood, and was able to give the shelter sought there by many of the neighbors on that occasion, on account of the substantial manner in which it was built. He has improved the property, and has one of the most attractive and comfortable homes in the town.

Mr. Hill is chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library. He was made a Mason in Jerusalem Lodge, later becoming a charter member of the Hampshire Lodge at Haydenville and a member of the Chapter and Commandery of Northampton. On December 31, 1862, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Charlotte M. Thayer, and has two daughters, namely: Genevra M., who resides at home; and Evalena, who married Albert Holton, and resides in Boston, having one son, named John Hill. Mr. Hill is independent in politics.