Joseph Hills, the progenitor of the American branch of the Hills family, was born in England in 1602. He arrived in New England in 1638, and shortly after settled in Charlestown, MA. In 1647 he moved to Malden, MA and several years later relocated to Newbury, MA where he spent the remainder of his life. Joseph's son, Samuel, resided in Newbury for the entirety of his life; eventually marrying Abigail Wheeler. The couple's only child, James, was born on February 25, 1696, and lived in the region of Newbury that later became Newburyport. In 1726, James' son, Jeremiah, was born. Jeremiah went on to serve in the French and Indian War, as well as the Revolutionary War. He was part of a group of Newbury residents who moved North and settled Nottingham West, or the modern-day Hudson, NH. Some time before 1766 he married Hannah Dow. The couple had several children, the second of which became the progenitor of the Hills family of Windham. James Hills was born on August 3, 1768 and settled in Hudson. He moved to Windham shortly after marrying his wife, Abigail Marsh, who was a native of Londonderry. He purchased a farm on Mammoth Road, which became the family homestead for generations.
1812 receipt for James Hills' $1.75 fee for an estate appraisal
Deacon Rei Hills Although there are no records of Hills' occupation, it is likely he was an estate appraiser, and possibly an auctioneer. Hills had five children, with the first two dying young, months apart from each other in 1815. His youngest daughter, Clarissa, later married Robert Bartley, who operated a store at Windham Centre. James' son, Jeremiah, was a blacksmith in town. Jeremiah served in the New Hampshire state militia, and eventually attained the rank of lieutenant. He married Margaret Davidson, who was left a widow following her husband's death in 1817. Margaret was burdened with debt and would spend the majority of her day weaving in order to pay off the debt. She passed away in 1854 and was survived by her several children. One of those children, Jeremiah, was active in town affairs, but moved to Pelham, NH after selling the family homestead to his brother, Deacon Rei Hills.
Deacon Rei Hills was born in Windham on June 26, 1818. He studied at Phillips Academy and laid stonewalls to fund his education. He spent most of his life in Windham, but spent time living in Litchfield, as well as Pelham. Hills is recorded as having been a fine teacher, and was equally skilled as a farmer and stone layer. While he was in Windham, Hills was active in town affairs including serving on the school committee, and serving as a town selectman. In 1844 he married Nancy Jane Parker of Litchfield. She was also a teacher, and taught for several years in Methuen, MA.
Deacon Rei Hills was born in Windham on June 26, 1818. He studied at Phillips Academy and laid stonewalls to fund his education. He spent most of his life in Windham, but spent time living in Litchfield, as well as Pelham. Hills is recorded as having been a fine teacher, and was equally skilled as a farmer and stone layer. While he was in Windham, Hills was active in town affairs including serving on the school committee, and serving as a town selectman. In 1844 he married Nancy Jane Parker of Litchfield. She was also a teacher, and taught for several years in Methuen, MA.
