Hill, Henry, b. 1795

Henry Hill grew up in Catskill, N.Y., where his father, Richard (1763-1846) had a ship-building business and a store. Henry started his career in commerce at the age of thirteen, beginning with a clerkship at his cousin Hiland Hill Jr.'s store. One year later, in 1809, he decided to discontinue his education in favor of another clerkship, leaving home for New York City in the process.

Between 1815 and 1816, Hill went to Europe on a combined commercial buying and pleasure trip. Soon after he returned home, he was chosen as an agent for the merchants, Palmer & Hamilton in Chile, with the promise of becoming a partner in the future. He remained with that firm for several years before returning home, marrying, and starting a family.

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