" Another son, Thomas Hill, born October 3, 1789, also crossed backint o Culpeper County to make his fortune. His November marriage toFannie R ussell Baptist was a merger of two proud lines. She was anative of Mec klenburg County and was descended from the earl ofGainsboro in Charles I I's reign. Fannie Hill was a nineteen-year-oldbride when she arrived a t Thomas Hill's new estate, Greenland, tenmiles west of the town of Cu lpeper Court House. Husband and wife soondeveloped contrsting life sty les. Thomas Hill became a highlyesteemed merchant, farmer, and politic ian. An acquaintance recalledthat he "was a splendid looking man, tall , taciturn, noted for hiscourage, famed for his hospitality and belove d for his character."People called him Major out of respect. Fannie Hi ll, on the otherhand, was a small, frail, bespectacled introvert who h ad difficultycontrolling her emotions. She tended to keep to herself, p referringto sit by the window, knitting or gazing out across the field s. Mostof her married life she spent battling "ills real or imaginary, " afamily member stated, and she was 'much petted by her husband and children." The union of Thomas and Fannie Hill produced seven children:f our sons followed by three daughters. At eight in the morning onNovemb er 9, 1825, the last son was born. He was appropriately namedAmbrose P owell Hill Jr. Powell (as he was called throughout his life)enjoyed a p leasant childhood."
