James Hill

James Hill (c. 1826 – 30 March 1901) was a businessman in South Australia, founder of James Hill & Sons, motor cycle dealers. History Hill was a son of Rev. James Hill, an early missionary to India, where he was born. He worked for a time for Price's Candles in a management position, then around 1860 emigrated to South Australia, and opened a shop on Rundle Place in 1862 or earlier. He acted as an agent for several coastal ships, and sold bulk quantities of various goods including potatoes and wool packs. By 1880 he had a shop on Grenfell Street, and became the South Australian agent for Crossley gas engines. He was a member of the consortium that built the Stock Exchange on Pirie Street. Hill's sons were educated at John L. Young's Adelaide Educational Institution and Prince Alfred College, and the two eldest were closely involved in the business. By 1889 he had moved to 18 Currie Street, where in addition to Crossley engines, he sold engineering tools, ovens, refrigeration plant and Ransomes' woodworking machines. By 1892 the business had become James Hill & Sons, and had further diversified to wholesale bicycle parts and accessories, but the Crossley engine remained a staple product. They also acted as residential rental agents.