Biographical Sketch of

Hazen Hill

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 679 - 680

Hazen Richard Hill is the popular proprietor of the Spring Grove House, one of the finest summer resorts 
in the northwest.  Spring Grove is situated on a quarter section of land, about sixty acres being used 
for the resort grounds that border Green Lake on its southern shore for about half a mile.  From the lake 
the grounds gradually rise, forming a natural amphitheatre.  Covered with a magnificent forest, and 
decorated with winding walks and drives, it is one of the most delightful places in which to spend the 
summer months that can anywhere be found.  The main building and the cottages are elegant and roomy, and 
fitted up in the best of style.  A fine bowling alley and boats furnish entertainment in that direction, 
while pianos and the latest periodicals help one to while away the time within doors.  Spring Grove is 
the only resort near Green Lake that is furnished with perpetually flowing springs.  Near by is the 
noted Lover's Glen, one of nature's most romantic spots.  Fresh butter, eggs, vegetables and fruit are 
produced in abundance on the adjoining farm, and the delicacies made therefrom would tempt the most 
fastidious.  A more congenial host and hostess cannot be found than Mr. and Mrs. Hill, who do all in 
their power to minister to the comforts of their guests.  As Mr. Hill is one of the old and prominent 
settlers of this section, we append a sketch of his life.
 
Hazen R. Hill was born in Huron County, Ohio, Feb. 15, 1836, and is a son of Asa and Philena (Lattin) Hill. 
His father was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1819, of English ancestry, his mother was born in the same country 
in 1812, and was also of English origin.  Soon after their marriage they removed to the Western Reserve in 
Ohio, which was then situated on the frontier.  In 1838, with his wife and two children, he started by boat 
for Wisconsin, but on Lake Michigan the vessel was wrecked, and all his goods were lost.  Discouraged, he 
returned to New York, but in 1849, again started for the West, this time in wagons.  He reached Ripon in 
safety, and built the second house in that city, in the growth and progress of which he has borne no 
inconsiderable part.  He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and a believer in the Universalist doctrine.  
His wife, also a follower of that faith, died in 1861.  Mr. Hill now makes his home with his children.  
He came to the county a poor man, but by methodical business habits, combined with industry and perseverance, 
has accumulated a handsome property.  Of his seven children, six are yet living, are married and have 
families.  Hazen is the eldest; Rhoda is now the widow of Owen R. Bloom; John L. and Andrew are partners 
in the mercantile business in Ripon; George is a farmer of Fond du Lac County; and Charles M. is a carpenter.
 
Our subject is the only one of the family now residing in Green Lake County.  He passed the days of his 
boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and in the district schools received his primary education.  He 
desired to continue his studies, but did not have the money necessary to pay his tuition.  For two years 
he engaged in clerking for Capt. Mapes, and at the end of that time, having saved his earnings, entered 
Ripon College.  He was one of the first students of that school and within its walls completed his education.  
He then obtained a position as salesman with David Greenway and subsequently was engaged in buying grain 
at Ripon on salary for about five years.  In 1861, he became a partner of Mr. Greenway, they owning a 
restaurant and saloon.  He had no money when the connection was formed, but such was Mr. Greenway's 
confidence in our subject, that he said that he would buy the business and place it in the hands of Mr. 
Hill, who was to attend to it.  Within six months he owned a half interest, and it was not long before 
he became sole proprietor, continuing alone until 1876, when he sold out to his brother.  From 1866 to 
1876, he served as Deputy Sheriff of Fond du Lac County, and for two years subsequent to that time 
occupied the position of Sheriff.  He was nominated by the Democratic party of which he is a warm 
advocate, his opponent being D. C. Lamb, one of the strongest men of the Republican ranks.  On laying 
aside the duties of Sheriff, he purchased Spring Grove House and grounds, of which he is still proprietor.  
In his social relations, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows society, and has 
represented both the subordinate lodge and encampment in the Grand Lodge.
 
On the 18th of April, 1860, Mr. Hill was joined in wedlock with Caroline A. Windecker, who was born in Lewis 
County, N. Y., Sept. 29, 1841, and is a daughter of John and Caroline (Ralston) Windecker, both of whom 
were descended from the old Mohawk Dutch families.  Having lived in New York until 1851, they then came to 
Fond du Lac County, where they passed their declining years.  To Mr. and Mrs. Hill have been born five 
children:  Frank A., who married Nellie Welch, now deceased; Sidney S.; Burt A., who married Cassie 
Bachelder; William R.; and Mary C.  The children have all received good educational advantages, and the 
family holds a high position in the social world.  The mother is a member of the Episcopal Church.  Mr. 
Hill is now the owner of one of the finest summer resorts in the Northwest, having acquired all he has 
by his own efforts.






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu