BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890. Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater. Pages 534-535. THOMAS HILL - One of the most skillful machinists of Bridgeport is Thomas Hill. Mr. Hill is an Englishman by birth, having been born in that country, July 6, 1840, in Dunstairs, Elton township, Lancashire. His parents were John and Rebecca Hill, also natives of England, John Hill was born in the year 1817, and his wife 1819. They reared a family of four sons and two daughters, one of the daughters is now deceased. Thomas Hill, the principal of this biography, lived in England until he had reached manhood. He learned the machinist's trade in his native land. May 24, 1861, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Leach, daughter of James and Elizabeth Leach, both English born. Mr. and Mrs. Hill and one son emigrated to this country July 6, 1863. After their arrival, Mr. Hill worked at his trade in Massachusetts for three years, then returned to England, but in one year came back to the United States and took up his residence in Bridgeport, Ohio. Until the spring of 1870 Mr. Hill was employed in the shops of Spence, Wiley & Gray, machinists of Martin's Ferry. At this time he started the shop which he now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had five sons and six daughters, seven of these children are now living. Mr. Hill is a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, and Sons of St. George; he is also an active and in- fluential communicant of the Presbyterian church, and is very prominent in Y. M. C. A. work. He is always ready to give of his means and time to any public improvement, or to aid the needy and afflicted.