He was born in Saint Stephen, New Brunswick, the son of George S. Hill, who had previously served in the provincial assembly. He studied law and was admitted to practice as an attorney in 1854. Hill entered business as a merchant later that same year. He opposed Confederation. He was the official assignee in bankruptcy for the county from 1869 to 1878. He was named to the Legislative Council in 1882. Hill was named speaker for the council in 1887. He remained a member of the council until it was abolished in 1892.