Ralph W. Hill

Ralph W. Hill (August 7, 1893 – July 13, 1958) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as Nebraska State Treasurer from 1955 until his death in 1958 and as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 22nd district from 1949 to 1955.

Hill was born in Hebron, Nebraska,^[1] and graduated from Hebron High School.^[2] He graduated from the University of Nebraska and owned and operated a furniture business and a stock raising operation.^[1]

In 1948, Hill ran for the Nebraska Legislature in the 22nd district, which included Jefferson and Thayer counties in southeastern Nebraska.^[3] He ran against incumbent State Senator R. B. Steele and attorney George P. Burger,^[4] and narrowly placed second in the primary, receiving 37 percent of the vote to Steele's 42 percent and Burger's 21 percent.^[5] In the general election, Hill defeated Steele, 54–46 percent.^[5]

Hill ran for re-election in 1950, and was challenged by businessman Ralph Hill.^[6] In the primary election, Hill placed first, winning 52 percent of the vote to Hill's 48 percent,^[7] and the two advanced to the general election.^[6] Hill ultimately defeated Harris with 55 percent of the vote.^[7]

In 1952, Hill ran for a third term.^[8] He was challenged by former State Senator J. E. Conklin. Hill and Conklin had been friends prior to the campaign, and had an "understanding" that Hill would not seek a third term so that Conklin could return to the legislature, but they disagreed as to why the "understanding" eroded.^[9] In the primary election, Hill placed first over Conklin, winning 53 percent of the vote to Conklin's 47 percent.^[10] In the general election, Hill defeated Conklin in a landslide, winning his third term, 59–41 percent.^[10]

In 1954, Hill announced that he would run for State Treasurer.^[11] Hill faced former Omaha City Commissioner Harry Knudsen and William Slagle, an examiner in the State Auditor's office, in the Republican primary.^[12] He won a plurality in the primary, receiving 43 percent of the vote to Knudsen's 38 percent and Slagle's 19 percent.^[13] In the general election, Hill faced the Democratic nominee, Richard Larsen, a county highway worker and three-time candidate for the Omaha City Council.^[12] Hill defeated Larsen by a wide margin, winning 59 percent of the vote to Larsen's 41 percent.^[13]

Hill ran for re-election in 1956,^[14] and faced a rematch with Larsen.^[15] Hill defeated Larsen by a wide margin, winning his second term 57–43 percent.^[16]

In 1958, Hill was constitutionally barred from seeking re-election, and did not seek any other office.^[17] He died on July 13, 1958, following several months of declining health.^[2] His wife, Bertha I. Hill, was appointed to serve out the remaining months of his term.^[18]