James Hill (deceased) was one of the leading farmers of Camden Township. He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1827, and was the son of John Hill. In the spring of 1866 he immigrated to Missouri, and settled in Platte County, where he remained until the fall of 1880. He then removed to De Kalb County, and located near the village of Amity. He was a very successful farmer, and left an estate of more than $8,000. About 1853 he was united in marriage with Rachel M. Shull, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1834. She was the daughter of Jacob Shull. She died on September 20, 1883. The father died on April 21, 1886. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and were pious, Christian people, respected and esteemed by all who knew them. To them four children were born as follows: J. Shull, March 17, 1855, died March 21, 1877; Mariah C., August 10, 1857, died in January, 1875; J. S., August 6, 1862, and J. R., March 16, 1865. The last two, the only surviving members of the family, are engaged in general merchandising at Amity, under the firm name of Atwood & Hill. Both were reared on the farm, and received a good education in the public schools. J. S. is now attending the Central Business College at Sedalia, Mo., while J. R. is managing the store. The brothers own jointly 180 acres of fine farm land, lying near the town of Amity, and also a beautiful little farm lying five miles northwest of that place. They are intelligent and worthy young men, possessing energy, enterprise and public spirit.

Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), p. 567.