At least three headstones,
each with conflicting data, have marked this grave. This makes it extremely
difficult to know for sure who lies buried here. However, in 1972, a headstone
found among the stone debris at the site was interpreted to read as follows:
"Henry Hill, June 8th 1852, Aged 59." Based on this
information, it is believed that this is the grave of Henry Hill, born
in Caroline County, Virginia, in 1793 and veteran of the War of 1812.
In April 1852, that Henry Hill sold his land in Monroe County, Missouri, and headed west with his daughters, Martha and Clemencia, and son, Joseph Littleton Hill, for California. On June 15, 1852, his in-law, James Hill, recorded "…about thirty five miles below Fort Laramie we was called on to pay the last tribute of respect to old Father Hill." He died from an illness that may have been cholera.
The Hill family would lose more members before reaching California. Also to succumb to the rigors of the journey were Clemencia Hill, Nancy Hill and Wesley Hill.
Ownership
Private.
[Owned by Gary Nickal, Nickal Brothers Farms, 118 Arrowhead Road, Torrington,
WY 82240, (307) 532-4770. Leased to Adam & Teresa Cross, RR2, Box
317A, Torrington, WY 82240, (307) 532-4542.]
Directions
Goshen County, Wyoming. T23N/R60W
From Henry,
Nebraska, drive two miles south on highway L79C, 1.25 miles west, then
¾ miles north to ranch area. The grave is ½ mile west. You must get permission
before visiting the grave.
National Park Service
Comprehensive Management Plan
The grave has been marked and fenced by the Oregon-California Trails Association.
There are no known threats. The site is not listed on the National Register.
Additional Information
Reg Duffin, "The Nancy Hill Story: The Final Chapter." Overland
Journal 4:4 (Fall 1986) pp. 56-64.
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