Charles C. Hillman, Photographer

HILLMAN, BENBOW, GERKIN, GERKEN, ROSS, RARDEN

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/1/2005 at 21:25:09

CHARLES C. HILLMAN, The sole photographer of Oelwein, established business in that city in 1885. He was born in Grant county, Ind., in the town of Jonesborough, on the 30th of January, 1858 and is a son of Phineas R. and Ann (Benbow) Hillman. His father was born in Ohio, March 7, 1830, and died February 14, 1877. His mother was born in Kentucky, August 16, 1835, and in the fall of 1885, some eight years after the death of Mr. Hillman, became the wife of Henry Gerkin, and resides in Oran Township. Mr. Hillman’s family emigrated to Iowa in 1864, and settled in Jefferon Township, Fayette County where the father engaged in farming until his death.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married in Buchanan County, Iowa, November 1, 1871, to Miss Mary M. Ross, a daughter of James H. and Emily (Rarden) Ross. She was born in Oran Township, Fayette County, where here parents were pioneer settlers, they having there located in April, 1855. They are both living and are now residents of Oelwein. He is a member of the Baptist Church, while his wife is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Hillman continued farming until 1884, since which time he has been engaged in his present business. He has had the only photographic gallery in Oelwein for the past four years and has built up a very satisfactory business, his workmanship commending him to the patronage of all. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the society of Knights of Pythias, belong to Hebron Lodge, No. 374, A. F. & A. M.; and Phadahnee Lodge, No. 194, K. P. In the social world he and his wife are held in high esteem. For man years they have made their home in this community and have won many friends.

Page 412, "Portrait & Biographical Album of Fayette County, Iowa"