Foremost among the successful business men of North Vernon is Lewis H. Hill, who for over a quarter of a century, has taken an active part in the commercial affairs of this city. When Mr. Hill started in business his capital consisted of two skilled hands, not afraid of work but by diligently applying them to his trade he has built for himself a business which, as shown by the accompanying illustrations, is one of the finest and most substantial in the city. This store was erected by Mr. Hill in 1891, and has three floors, 24 x 90 feet, all of which are stocked with a fine selection of furniture. The stock comprises everything which should be found in a well equipped furniture store, and includes a variety of bed room suits, lounges, chairs, sideboards, wardrobes, book cases, mattresses, springs, parlor and dining room furniture, pictures, etc. Mr. Hill does no installment business, and as he discounts all of his bills, is enabled to sell goods even lower than similar stores in the city. In speaking of this he said: "By employing no clerks, discounting bills, paying no rent, and buying direct from the factory, I need fear no competition, for I can not be undersold." The trade of this house extends all over the county, and some adjoining counties.
    Mr. Hill was born February 11, 1836, in Jefferson county, but went with his parents to Ripley county when a mere child, and received but six months' schooling, his entire time during his youthful days being employed in farming. When the call for volunteers to fight the cause of the Union was made by President Lincoln in 1861, young Hill was among the first to respond, and he enlisted as a member of the first regiment formed in this state, the Sixth Indiana Infantry, commanded by the late Col. Tripp. For valiant service he was successively promoted, and, when at the close of the war he was honorably discharged, he wore the insgnia of a first lieutenant. After the close of the war Mr. Hill moved to North Vernon, and during the first year of his residence here was married to Adelia McMillan, of this city. To this union no children were born, but the domestic life was brightened by the presence of an adopted daughter, now Mrs. E. H. Lang. Mr. Hill's first business venture in North Vernon was the erection of a small chair factory. After conducting this business for three years the panic of 1873 so opressed the people of this section that it was possible to find a market for his wares, but nothing daunted by this Mr. Hill succeeded in trading chairs to other factories for various articles of furniture. This exchange made it possible for him to open to the public a modest little store which he has since conducted, and by square dealing and selling only the best goods, the business has grown to such proportions that it now ranks as one of the most complete in Southern Indiana.


    Mr. Hill is one of North Vernon's most substantial citizens, and has a warm interest in everything pertaining to the city's advancement. He live in a comfortable and stylish home at the corner of Chestnut and State Streets. He is a member of the Masonic Order and also the Grand Army of the Republic.

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    On Sunday evening, May 28th, 1905, another of the foremost citizens of Jennings County was summoned to answer to the roll call of comrades that are fast assembling on a new battlefield in that unseen land where the fight that has raged for many years is ended and all march side by side, the blue and the grey united only as the Supreme Being can unite," this time it being one, Lewis H. Hill. Mr. Hill has been a resident of this city since 1863, thus seeing our little village of Tripton with a few stores grow to a bright city as one finds North Vernon, today. Funeral services were conducted at the family residence on State street Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. Yount, pastor of the Presbyterian church, after which the body was laid to rest in the City Cemetery by the Masons of this city in their solemn and impressive manner.
    Mr. Hill was born February 11, 1836, in Jefferson county, and died at his home in North Vernon on Sunday, May 28, 1905, at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 17 days. He went with his parents when but a mere child to Ripley county, and received but six months schooling, his entire time during his youthful days being employed in farming. When the call for volunteers to fight the cause of the Union was made by President Lincoln in 1861, young Hill was among the first to respond, and he enlisted as a member of the first regiment formed in this State, the Sixth Indiana Infantry, commanded by the late Col. Tripp. For valiant service he was successfully promoted, and, when at the close of the war he was honorably discharged, he wore the insignia of a first lieutenant. After the close of the war he moved to North Vernon, and during the first year of his residence here was married to Miss Adelia McMillan, of this city. To this union no children were born, but the domestic life was brightened by the presence of an adopted daughter. Miss Lula, who was married to Mr. E. H. Lange of this city on June 2,1896, and died on the 21 day of September, 1902.
    Mr. Hill's first business venture in North Vernon was the erection of a small chair factory. After conducting this business for three years the panic of 1873 so oppressed the people of this section that it was impossible to find a market for his wares, but nothing daunted by this Mr. Hill succeeded in trading chairs to other factories for various articles of furniture. This exchange made it possible for him to open to the public a modest furniture store on Walnut street which business he conducted successfully until March 23, 1900, when owing to failing health, he sold his business to the enterprising firm of H. H, Dowd & Co., who are now conducting the business in his old stand. After disposing of his business Mr. Hill led a retired life enjoying the comforts he had labored so long to attain. He was an active member of the Masonic Order of this city, also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

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