Born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1818. There he arrived at man's estate and finished his education in Granville College. At an early age he learned the dry goods business with his brother-in-law, and did business with his brother in Utica, Ohio, until 1849, when he accepted a position as salesman in the wholesale house of Avery, Butler & Cecil, which position he held for seven years. In 1858 he came to Iowa and located in Taylor county. Since then he has been engaged in agriculture, and has ever been found identified with measures for public improvements. He has held many offices of responsibility, having been sent to the State senate in 1860, and serving in that body during the dark and trying hours of the rebellion. He has also filled the office of county commissioner for several terms. During the whole of his public life he proved himself eminently deserving of the trust bestowed by his constituents. He is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1837 to Miss Mary Fuller, of Ohio. Mr. Hillyer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M.

Born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1818. There he arrived at man's estate and finished his education in Granville College. At an early age he learned the dry goods business with his brother-in-law, and did business with his brother in Utica, Ohio, until 1849, when he accepted a position as salesman in the wholesale house of Avery, Butler & Cecil, which position he held for seven years. In 1858 he came to Iowa and located in Taylor county. Since then he has been engaged in agriculture, and has ever been found identified with measures for public improvements. He has held many offices of responsibility, having been sent to the State senate in 1860, and serving in that body during the dark and trying hours of the rebellion. He has also filled the office of county commissioner for several terms. During the whole of his public life he proved himself eminently deserving of the trust bestowed by his constituents. He is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1837 to Miss Mary Fuller, of Ohio. Mr. Hillyer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, also of the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M.