HILL, John M. - 1914

HILL, MATHEWSON, MCMICHAEL, PORTER, HALLEY, PATTERSON, GEDDIS, CORMACK

Posted By: VOLUNTEER
Date: 6/26/2009 at 16:53:36

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914

JOHN M. HILL.

John M. Hill, who has resided within the borders of Cherokee county for three decades, was in former years successfully identified with agricultural and industrial interests as a farmer and blacksmith but is now discharging the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of deputy sheriff, to which position he was appointed in July, 1911. His birth occurred in Argyleshire, Scotland, on the 4th of February, 1847, his parents being Donald and Agnes (Mathewson) Hill, likewise natives of that country. The father, a blacksmith by trade, emigrated to the United States and located near Kankakee, Illinois, where he passed away in 1858, two months after his arrival in the new world. His widow subsequently took up her abode in the Scotch settlement near Rockford, Illinois, where she spent the remainder of her life. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hill were devoted and consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Their children were as follows: Mary, who is the widow of Hugh McMichael and resides in Winnebago, Illinois: John M., of this review; Margaret, who is the widow of James Porter and lives in Rockford, Illinois: Donald, formerly a resident of Storm Lake, Iowa, who passed away in August, 1913: Agnes, who is the widow of Robert Halley, and makes her home in Beloit, Wisconsin; Archibald, of Rock ford, Illinois; Angus, who is deceased; and Barbara, the wife of James Patterson, of Winnebago, Illinois.

John M. Hill began his education in the schools of Kilkenzie, Scotland, and was eleven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in Illinois. His first farm comprised eighty acres near Rockford and claimed his attention until 1883, when he disposed of the property and came to Cherokee county, Iowa, purchasing a tract of land in Cherokee township. Subsequently he removed to Cedar township and there carried on general agricultural pursuits for five years, on the expiration of which period he took up his abode in Cherokee and embarked in business as a blacksmith, remaining a member of the firm of Lint Brothers & Hill for three years. In 1898 he was elected sheriff, holding that position for two terms or until 1902. In that year he again turned his attention to black smithing and successfully followed that trade until July, 1911, when he was appointed to the position of deputy sheriff, the duties of which office he has ably discharged to the present time, making an enviable and creditable record in that connection.

On the 8th of January, 1877, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Geddis, a daughter of Alexander and Jennie (Cormack) Geddis, of Avon, New York. Their children are as follows: Alexander, of Cherokee, Iowa, who is married and has four daughters—Madge, Jean, Mary and Winifred; John M., a resident of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Archibald, who makes his home in Woodstock, Illinois.

In his political views Mr. Hill is a stanch democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A man of genuine personal worth and high standards of integrity, he commands the sincere regard and esteem of all who come in contact with him and in the course of his many years residence in Cherokee county has proved his loyalty as a public official, his reliability in business and his fidelity to all the ties and obligations of life.