Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
CHARLES C. HILLS, although one
of the younger men of Lincoln county, has achieved a success here that
would do credit to a man of far riper years. An account of his labors
will be very interesting reading to people of Lincoln county. At
the present time he is engaged in the real estate business in Creston where
his home is, and is doing a nice business, being a man of energy and good
judgment. He also has other interests to oversee.
Charles C. Hills was
born in Nebraska, on December 3, 1873, the son of James L. and Minerva
(Thomas) Hills, natives of New York. The father came with his family
to Walla Walla county in 1882 and the following spring moved to Spokane,
whence he journeyed to Lincoln county. He immediately engaged in
stock raising and farming, continuing the same until recently when he sold
out and moved to Davenport where he is now living a retired life.
Our subject received his education in the common schools of Lincoln county
and is therefore a product of the section in which the county may take
pride. Desiring a more extended education, Mr. Hills went to Spokane
and completed a course in the Blair Business College. In 1893, being
twenty years of age, he started in life for himself. He had nothing
except what wages he had saved from his work the year previous. With
this he made the first payment on a quarter section of land, rented two
hundred acres more and in the fall sold his crop for enough to pay for
his quarter section. The next year he bought horses and a half section
of land, also purchased a relinquishment which he homesteaded. Then
three years from the time of this second purchase, he had a whole section
paid for. He has bought land in addition since until he now has an
estate of eight hundred acres, all well improved, lying one mile west from
Creston. This magnificent holding he has achieved by his own efforts
in less than ten years. This stamps Mr. Hills as a man of knowledge,
keen foresight, and excellent practical judgment. He gives his attention
to buying and selling real estate in Creston and handling his farm.
Mr. Hills is a member of the Masonic lodge, the I. O. O. F., and the K.
O. T. M. He is a popular young man, having many friends and deserving
the esteem accorded to him.