Edward Gurney (E. G.) Hill

Place: Rochdale

Born: 1847

Death: 1933

Biography:

Early Life and Career

Edward Gurney (E. G.) Hill was born in Rochdale, England in 1847. When he was four years old, his family emigrated to America and settled in New York. His father, Joseph, worked as a nurseryman, and Edward also followed that line of work. In 1870, the family moved to Richmond, Indiana, where Hill's father took a job at Cascade Gardens Nursery.

Establishment of Hill and Company

In 1881, E.G. and his father established a new nursery business, Hill and Company, with two greenhouses. By the 1890s, the company had moved to a larger location and incorporated as the E.G. Hill Co. The nursery produced many flowers, including roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and geraniums.

Rose Hybridization Program

E.G. began introducing European roses and later started a rose hybridization program with his son Joseph Herbert. While visiting Waltham Cross, England in 1912, E.G. discovered an interesting seedling in William Paul's rose fields. That seedling was later introduced as 'Ophelia' and became an important part of the Hill family's rose breeding program.

Awards and Recognition

E.G. was a leader in hybridizing roses, winning international awards and medals often. He was also one of the founders and third president of the Society of American Florists, and he served as a president of the American Rose Society, the American Carnation Society, and the American Chrysanthemum Society. For more information on his rose varieties, visit Wikioo.org.

Legacy

E.G.'s legacy can be seen in the many rose varieties he introduced, including 'Madame Butterfly', 'Columbia', and 'Joanna Hill'. He was also a pioneer in the floricultural industry, and his company, Hill and Company, became a leader in the worldwide market. For more information on his life and work, visit Wikipedia.

• Rose varieties introduced by E.G. Hill:
  • 'Madame Butterfly'
  • 'Columbia'
  • 'Joanna Hill'
• Awards and recognition:
  • International awards for rose hybridization
  • Founder and third president of the Society of American Florists
  • President of the American Rose Society, American Carnation Society, and American Chrysanthemum Society

Conclusion

Edward Gurney (E. G.) Hill was a renowned nurseryman and rose breeder from Richmond, Indiana. His legacy can be seen in the many rose varieties he introduced and his contributions to the floricultural industry. For more information on his life and work, visit Wikioo.org or Wikipedia.