Hill, Theophilus H. (Theophilus Hunter), 1836-1901

Theophilus Hunter Hill, poet and librarian of Raleigh, N.C., who edited The Spirit of the Age, a Raleigh newspaper, and The Century of South Carolina. In 1861, Hill's first volume of poetry, Hesper and Other Poems, was published in Raleigh, the first book issued under the copyright laws of the Confederate States of America. He also published Poems (1869) and Passion Flower (1883).

Theophilus Hunter Hill, poet and librarian, was born on 31 October 1836 near Raleigh at Spring Hill Plantation, the home of his maternal grandfather, Theophilus Hunter, Jr. His great-grandfather was the Reverend William Hill, a chaplain in the American Revolution; his grandfather, also William Hill, was North Carolina secretary of state for more than forty years; and his father, William G. Hill, was an eminent physician. His maternal great-grandfather was Theophilus Hunter, pioneer Wake County settler. Hill's mother was Adelaide Hunter Hill.

Hill received his early schooling under an aunt, Eliza Hill, who later ran a private school in Raleigh. He then attended the Raleigh Male Academy. In 1852, Hill entered the University of North Carolina, but, because of family financial difficulties, was obliged to complete his studies at home.

In 1853, Hill became editor of The Spirit of the Age, a Raleigh newspaper. He was encouraged by future governor Daniel Fowle to study law, which he did. Although licensed to practice in 1858, he did not care for the law and never opened a practice, preferring the literary life. In 1861, Hill's first volume of poetry, Hesper and Other Poems, was published in Raleigh, the first book issued under the copyright laws of the Confederate States of America. His second volume, Poems, was published in New York in 1869, and his final volume, Passion Flower, was published in Raleigh in 1883. Other poems appeared in newspapers and periodicals.

From 1871 to 1873, Hill served as state librarian until he became editor of The Century, published in South Carolina. He also represented several book concerns and insurance companies. Hill was a lifelong Democrat, although he never ran for political office.

Hill's first wife, whom he married on 22 January 1861, was Laura Phillips of Northampton County; she died in 1878. Their children were Theophilus Hunter, Frank E., and Rosa. In September 1879, he married Mattie Yancey of Warren County. They had one child, Tempe.

Hill died of typhoid fever in Raleigh on 29 June 1901.

(Adapted from notes in the Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, William S. Powell, editor.)