Lewis Hill (May 1, 1919 – August 1, 1957)[1] was a co-founder ofKPFA, the firstlistener-supported radio station in the United States, and thePacifica Radio network.
He was born inKansas City, Kansas, on May 1, 1919. His father was an attorney who made his fortune by brokering a deal to sell an oil company toJ.P. Morgan. His mother's brother wasFrank Phillips, builder ofPhillips Petroleum. Lewis was sent toWentworth Military Academy inLexington, Missouri, because he was too bright for thepublic school. According to his widow, he "despised" his time atmilitary school, but he completed his first two years of college there and also was the Missouri State doublestennis champion. He then transferred toStanford University.
While studying atStanford in 1937, his interest inQuakerism led him to a belief inpacifism. As aconscientious objector, Hill served inCivilian Public Service duringWorld War II. In 1945, Hill resigned from his job as aWashington, D.C., correspondent and moved toBerkeley, California.
In 1949 he establishedKPFA. To support the station financially, he founded thePacifica Foundation.[2] He served as Pacifica's head until his suicide (during a period of failing health from spinal arthritis) in 1957.[3]
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