DEMAS L. HILL. This gentleman enjoys the distinction of standing among the foremost of the prosperous farmers of West Bethlehem township. His grandfather, Joseph Hill, was born in Maryland in 1770. He was educated in the rate schools of the day, and became an exceptionally well-read man. At the age of eighteen he married Mary Jamison, and to them were born: John, David, Mrs. Nancy Jamison, Joseph, James J., Mrs. Nancy Haviland, Margaret, Thomas and Eli. Mr. Hill began life upon the farm adjoining that of D. L. Hill on the north. He was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and was always an active politician. He and his family were members of regular Baptist Church. Mrs. Hill died in 1835, her husband following her to the grave in 1852. James J. Hill was born November 10, 1804, on the old home farm, and his younger days were spent at school, where he proved himself a good scholar and an eager reader. In 1826 he married Catherine Lyda, daughter of Benjamin Lyda, of Somerset township, and they had born to them the following children: Julia A., Mrs. Catherine McIlvane, George L., Benjamin L., Sarah, Demas L., Mary (deceased) and David (deceased). James J. Hill lived upon the home farm one year, and then moved to West Pike Run township, remaining there upon a farm of 100 acres, six years, thence moved to Pigeon Creek, and lived there three years. He afterward came to Somerset township, where he resided twenty-one years, both farms being in this township. On March 26, 1860, he came to the place where his son and daughter now live, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying October 9, 1881. Mr. Hill was an active Republican, one of the "wheel horses" of the party, and served as inspector and auditor of this township. Mrs. Hill, who was a member of the Lutheran Church, died in May, 1884. Demas L. Hill was born January 8, 1844, in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., and received his education in the common schools. He assisted his father some time after attaining his majority; has always followed farming, and has been very successful. He is giving especial attention to sheep raising, and has some very fine breeds on his farm, which consists of eighty-seven acres. Mr. Hill was married November 12, 1876, to Melissa, daughter of Robert Latta, and they have five children: Orpha, Ulysses Grant, Alexander Leslie, Huber, and Edgar. He is a Republican, though not an active politician, his time being all given to his private affairs. He occupies the farm together with his sisters Julia A. and Sarah, who have always lived at home. Julia A. is a member of the Regular Baptist Church.

Text taken from page 742 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed April 1997 by Tom Lum Forest of Somerville, MA as part of the Beers Project. Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]