Mr. Hill is a native of Germany, having been born in Gelnhausen, March 6, 1828, being the son of Conrad Hill and Margaret (Ditzen berger) Hill, well-to-do and prosperous residents of the city named. In the family were five boys and two girls, those aside from Charles being: John, a resident of Davenport; Jacob, now residing in Whitestown, Indiana; Conrad, residing in the City of Indianapolis; Henry, residing in the "old country”; Margaret, also residing in Germany and married to a Mr. Ditzel; Doredea, who married a Mr. Werner (now deceased), at present residing near Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. Hill received his education in the German schools, and when he was about twenty years of age - in 1848 — he came to America, landing in the City of New York, where he remained until about 1850. In Germany he had learned the cabinet maker's trade after he left school, and when he reached this country he began work as a cabinet maker in the City of New York. Soon after his arrival here he acquired a knowl edge of the wood carver's trade, and pursued this vocation in connection with his work as a cabinet maker. Leaving New York he went to Newark, New Jersey. The latter city had a comparatively small population at that time, and Mr. Hill remained there only about six months. Some time in 1851 he came west to Indianapolis, remaining there about a year, and leaving, in 1852, for Madison, Indiana, where he remained for a year or so, after which he returned to Indianapolis. During this time he was engaged at his trade, and had had reasonably good success. Upon his return to Indianapolis — where he remained until 1854 — he worked part of the time at his trade, and during the remainder of the time was interested in a newspaper which had been started by some of his friends. He traveled on the road, soliciting subscriptions and advertisements, and in this business also was quite successful. It was not suited to his taste, however, and he gave it up in a short time. Ile came to Davenport in 1854, and since that time has been a resident of this city, with the exception of what little time he has spent in travel. After he arrived in Davenport he worked at his trade for a few months, and then built a shop for himself, where he conducted a prosperous business. In 1855 he opened up a furniture store on Harrison Street. His progress since that time has been steady. He has advanced in business until he now stands among the foremost men in the furniture business in Davenport. He has not only estab lished himself in business, but he has also established himself in the esteem of his fellow -citizens to such an extent that he is regarded as one of the most substantial and trustworthy members of the community.
He bought the property upon which his establishment is now located in 1861. Upon it was located at that time a frame building, in which he conducted his business for several years. About the year 1866 he put up a three-story brick building, and on the lot adjoining he built a four-story brick building in 1872. These buildings he joined in one about 1890, making them all four stories high. He has since occupied them as a repository for his stock in trade.
Mr. Hill is not a politician and is an independent voter. Although taking no active part in the conduct of public affairs, he takes an active interest in the welfare of the city in which he resides and of the country at large. He is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge and a member also of the Turner Society. Other than this he is not identified with secret societies. In years gone by he has been connected with many enterprises of a public nature in the city, and has always given his hearty support to any movement which had a tendency to promote the welfare and improvement of the City of Davenport.
On the twenty-sixth of May, 1857, Mr. Hill married Catherine Green wald, whose death occurred in January, 1892. Mrs. Hill was a native of Germany, and came over to this country early in the "fifties." To this union were born three girls and two boys: Annie, Laura, Emelie, Oscar and Oswald. Of these, Annie is the wife of George Stark, Laura is at home, Emelie died about four years ago, Oscar died in 1863 at the age of one year, and Oswald is a clerk in his father's store.
In personal appearance Mr. Fill is of medium height, and his hair and whiskers are tinged with gray. Ile has a frank expression of countenance and an ease of manner which make him a pleasant gentle man with whom to converse.
BIOGRAPHIES