Rasmus J. Hill

HILL, SAMPSON, SWENSON

Posted By: Peter Gausmann (email)
Date: 1/29/2010 at 05:20:48

RASMUS J. HILL

Rasmus J. Hill, who follows the occupation of farming on section 4, Forest township, Winnebago county, where his property, known as the Evergreen Farm, comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, was born in Norway, January 7, 1863, a son of John J. and Engbur Hill, who were also natives of the land of the midnight sun. The father came with his family to America in 1872 and settled in Ogle county, Illinois, where he resided until 1884. He then removed to Winnebago county and took up his abode on the farm, which continued to be his place of residence until his death, which occurred April 4, l!)0fi, when he was seventy-two years old. His wife died in Winnebago county, October 21, 1915, at the age of eighty-one years. In their family were seven children, of whom two are now living.

Rasmus J. Hill was a little lad of nine years at the time of the emigration to the new world and was reared and educated in Illinois. He came to Winnebago county in 1885, when a young man of twenty-two years, and purchased forty acres. Subsequently he purchased the farm upon which he now resides. It is a quarter of section. 4, Forest township, and is appropriately named the Evergreen Farm, by reason of the fine grove of evergreen trees upon the place. Mr. Hill has planted all the trees on the farm, deciduous and others, and they add much to the attractive appearance of his place. He has also erected splendid buildings, including a commodious and pleasant residence and substantial barns and sheds which furnish ample shelter to grain and stock. He makes a specialty of dairying in connection with the raising of crops best adapted to soil and climate and for his dairy purposes keeps high grade cows.

Mr. Hill has been married twice. In 1891 he wedded Miss Anna Sampson and they became parents of a son, Enoch. The wife and mother died in 1892 and in 1898 Mr. Hill wedded Anna Swenson, by whom he has eight children: John E., Hilda D., Rosa, Regtor, Henning, Arthur, Delmer and Jester. The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and guide their lives according to its teachings. Mr. Hill is a republican in politics but has never sought nor desired office of a political character. He is serving, however, as one of the school directors of his district. He may truly be called a self-made man, for all that he enjoys has been acquired through his persistent, earnest efforts since starting out in life for himself empty handed. He has worked diligently and persistently and the rewards of earnest, honest labor are today his.

Source: History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II. Pioneer Publishing Company (Chicago), 1917. pp. 238-239.