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James B. Hill, a farmer, was born in 1843 in Hamilton County, IlL (For sketch of patents, see J. W. Hill's sketch.) Our subject was educated in the common schools of Franklin County and at Ewing High School. When eighteen he left

Pg. 788

home and spent six years in the Rocky Mountains at mining. He then returned and spent two years at home, and when twenty-six married and settled on his present farm in Ewing Township. His wife, Rebecca A. Spillman, was born in 1845 in Indiana. Their children are Margaret (deceased), Robert P., James J., Sarah J., Alice, a deceased infant daughter, John D. and Rebecca A. She died in 1883. In 1885 he married Martha J., daughter of John J. and Martha (Johns) Link, who was born in 1855 in Wilson County, Tenn. William J. is their only child.

Our subject owns about 160 acres of land, 140 of which is well improved. He is considered one of the leading citizens of the county, and besides serves in township offices, he has served as supervisor in the county board. Our subject is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Greeley in 1872, because previous to that he lived in the Territories. He is a member of Ewing Lodge, F. & A. M., and Shiloh Lodge, F. M. B. A., also a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.