James Hillhouse
James Hillhouse (
October 20,
1754 -
December 29,
1832), of
New Haven, Connecticut, was a real estate developer responsible for much of the current look of New Haven, a politician, and a treasurer of
Yale. He was born in
Montville, Connecticut, the son of William Hillhouse, and adopted by his childless uncle and aunt, James Abraham and Mary Lucas Hillhouse. He graduated from Yale in
1773, and became a captain in the
Revolutionary War. He was active in the drive to plant the elm trees that gave New Haven the nickname of the
Elm City. He was a member of the Connecticut state house of representatives,
1780, United States Representative from Connecticut at-large,
1791-
96, and United States Senator from Connecticut,
1796-
1810. He was interred at
Grove Street Cemetery.