The subject of this sketch was born in Scott county, Illinois, on his father's farm near Merritt, Sept. 15, 1855. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Morgan county. His father having decided to quit farming, located near Jacksonville, Ill., that his children might have the advantages of better schools and the opportunity of obtaining good education.

On March 11, 1875, Mr. Wm. D. Hitt was united in marriage to Miss Julia Atkins of Upper Alton, Ill. From this union seven children were born, five of whom are living. Mrs. Hitt died July 6, 1902.

Mr. Hitt started farming on his own account at the age of 18, on the old home farm, containing 160 acres, following this occupation for seven years. He then moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he remained nine years, and then went to Denver, Colo., where he spent eight years in the real estate and insurance business. In this venture he was quite successful, but nothing seemed to suit him so well as the farm, so during the year 1897 he moved back to his farm near Merritt. This farm consisted of as good land as there is in the state of Illinois, and during all his years of farming he prospered well, raising abundant crops and considerable stock. In fact, he has been one of the very successful farmers of Scott county, and is well todo.

His father, Elisha B. Hitt, who came to Illinois in an early day from Bourbon county, Kentucky, was a very enterprising and prosperous farmer in his day, owning at the time of his death, in April, 1881, over 1,000 acres of exceptionally fine land. During his life time he twice represented his district in the Illinois legislature.