1803-1884
Mother Hill was the first President of the Newark Women’s Christian Temperance Union from 1874 to 1882, and afterwards an Honorary President. “As an organizer she showed great discrimination and tact in securing the right woman in every place, encouraging the timid and holding a mild restraint upon those needing it.” She spoke throughout the state in this role.
Mother Hill came to Newark by age 18, when she was “converted” at the Halsey Methodist Episcopal Church. Besides raising 10 children, she was an organizer of the Female City Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was a precursor to the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. President of the Ladies Parsonage Association for 20 years. She was also a supporter of the Orphan Asylum on High Street. Mother Hill even travelled through the West at age 75.
It was said, “All who were blessed by Mother Hill’s friendship remember her warmth of heart, her genuine interest in their welfare, her horror of all shams, her keen appreciation of truth and honesty and her sometimes quaint expressions….No other woman received such grateful homage in Newark”. The Sunday Call marked the death in its end of year list of important events.
Bibliography
“State News” Bridgeton Pioneer Jan 31, 1884
“Women’s Christian Temperance Union” Ocean Grove Record May 3, 1884
“The Story of a Year” Sunday Call Dec 31, 1884