After Henry's death Hillcott belonged to John and like his father he continued to increase his working land and in the year 1890 he was farming 648 acres over 10 different sections in the Golden Grove District. John and Hannah lived and farmed Hillcott Farm all their lives/raising the family while growing wheat,barley and oats, milk from the dairy herd was another source of income. John was active in local affairs and in 1881 was elected to Council, he also served on the District School Board of Advice and was a judge of horse stock at both the Royal Agriculture Show as well as the Golden Grove Show. John passed away at Hillcott and the property passed to his sons to work with provision made for Anna until her death.Council rates were then listed under the Tilley Brothers.