John Nill was born May 7, 1835 in Nehren, Germany, the son of Josias and Waldburge Schilling Nill. He immigrated to America in 1853 when he turned 18. He settled first in Utica and worked as a candy maker for seven years. He moved to Watertown and, three years later, formed a partnership in a retail and wholesale bakery with his brother-in-law, Henry Jess. The business of Nill & Jess prospered and filled the Flatiron Building on Public Square in the City. Following the success of the bakery, the partners established a cigar manufacturing firm on Fairbanks Street. Both businesses grew and prospered, and by 1885, they employed fifty men.
During his lifetime, Mr. Nill was an abolitionist and joined the Republican Party at the time of its organization. He attended the Universalist Church and was a Mason of high standing. He was elected town Supervisor in 1881.
He was elected Mayor of Watertown in November of 1888 and served one term.
Mr. Nill was married to Dora C. Jess and the couple had two daughters, Louisa Caroline Nill Smith and Amelia Paulina Nill, and a son, Ernest F. Nill.
John Nill died August 16, 1919 at his summer home in Star Lake at the age of 84 and is buried at Brookside Cemetery.
