Mary G. Hill

Mary G. Hill ( Barnett; known as "Mother" Hill; March 6, 1803 – January 1884) was a 19th-century American temperance activist and social reformer as well as a religious worker. Because of her executive ability, she was esteemed and helpful in planning for the benevolent enterprises of her city. She served as president of the Ladies' Parsonage Association for twenty years, and of the first Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) of Newark, New Jersey (1874–1882), of which she became Honorary President for life. She was one of the organizers of the Female City Mission of the Methodist Episcopal church in Newark.

Early life Mary Gordon Barnett was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, March 6, 1803. She was of Huguenot and Scotch descent. Her father was David Barnett, whose father was one of the "Covenanters". At the age of 18, Hill was converted in Halsey Street Methodist Episcopal church, Newark, of which she was a devoted member for many years. when she was 20 years old. She was the mother of ten children, including Emma Bourne. Though Mrs. Hill was responsible for domestic duties, and often in feeble health, she cultivated her naturally strong intellect by judicious reading. she visited California, Oregon, and Washington Territory with her son, Rev. John B. Hill, who had charge of the Methodist Book Concern at San Francisco. In addition to addressing three temperance conferences on temperance, she took three days for a horseback ride to visit Yosemite.

Death Her funeral was held January 24, 1884.