HILL, Richard, merchant, born in Maryland; died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 4 September, 1729. In early life he followed the sea, and up to 1704 was known as "Captain Hill." he was in Philadelphia during William Penn's second visit to this country, where he formed the proprietor's acquaintance and came to enjoy his personal friendship. He finally settled as a merchant in Philadelphia, and was admitted to the governor's council in February, 1704, retaining the place up to the time of his death. In 1707 he was unanimously elected alderman of the city, and in 1709 was chosen mayor, to which office he was many times re-elected. He was elected to the assembly in 1710, and served in this body continuously until 1721, being three times speaker. In 1720, as one of the six oldest councillors, he was appointed a master in the court of chancery, just organized, and was also for several years a judge of the supreme court of the province. In the quarrels that arose between the assembly and William Penn he sided with the latter, and is recognized as the leader that did most to preserve Quaker and proprietary ascendency. Penn made him a trustee under his will.