Hillhouse, William F.

HILLHOUSE, GROVES, SANDERS

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 5/25/2021 at 15:36:28

William F. Hillhouse, one of the earliest settlers of Washington County, resides upon section 36, Washington Township, where he is engaged in general farming, together with stock-raising. He is a native of Livingston County, Ky., born Feb. 16, 1824. His father, James HIllhouse, was born in South Carolina, in 1797, and his mother, Catherine (Groves) Hillhouse, in Virginia in 1795. They were married in Livingston County, Ky., and in the fall of 1832 moved to Dearborn County, Ind., and subsequently to Ripley County, the same State. Mrs. Hillhouse died in Indiana in 1835, leaving six children, two of whom are now living – William F. and Mary, the wife of David Mulford, of this county. In 1853 Mr. Hillhouse came to Washington County, Iowa, and lived with his son, William F. He died in 1868. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body his wife was also a member.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Ripley County, Ind., receiving his education in the typical pioneer school-house, and long before the days of free schools. When eleven years old he was apprenticed to a tanner, with whom he remained five years, subsequently engaging in the trade of carpenter. In 1845 he married Miss Mary J. Sanders, who was born in Ripley County, Ind., Dec. 8, 1825. In 1853 he came to Washington County, where he has since continued to reside. When he located on his present farm it was wild prairie land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. Unlike many others, when he came to his county he was possessed of some means. This he was very careful not to squander, but making a judicious investment, he has from time to time added to his possessions, and is now comfortably situated with fine improvements all around him.

In politics Mr. Hillhouse is a Democrat, and has always voted with that party. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which body he has been a member for over forty years. He has always taken and active interest in Church work. Mr. and Mrs. Hillhouse are the parents of five children, two living: George married Mary Garren; they have six children – William F., Delia, Alfred, Elizabeth J., Elsie and Harriet. John married Miss Martha J. Abbott; they have two children – Minnie and Clark C. Mr. Hillhouse is most universally respected wherever known.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of William F. Hillhouse, pages 323-324.