WILLIAM HILLER

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 778:

William Hiller

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 5, Post-office, Garland).

   The subject of this sketch, a man of acknowledged prominence and substantial worth among other representative citizens of the county, came originally from Greene county, Pa., where he was born February 5, 1832; his age, therefore, is not far from 55 years.  His grandfather was William Hiller, and his father’s name was also William.  The latter was reared in Greene county, Pa., and devoted himself largely to the distilling and mercantile business, callings in which he became well known.  When a young man he married Miss Charlotte Mulliken, whose father was Dr. John Mulliken, and as a result of this marriage nine children, six boys and three girls, were born.  Five of the boys, together with the father, were in the Union army, one laying down his life at Hannibal while en route to join the regiment of which his brothers were already members.  William grew to manhood in his native State, learning first the trade of saddle and harness making, after which, going to Alton, Ill., he engaged in the grain business, for a brother-in-law, remaining there until 1857.  About this time he started a mercantile establishment at Athens, Mo., conducting it up to March, 1858, following which he located in this county, and this has since been his home.  All that he now owns has been obtained entirely through his individual efforts, and this is saying not a little when a glance is given at his well improved and splendidly managed farm.  His homestead embraces 320 acres under good cultivation, upon which is a comfortable, desirable dwelling, etc., carefully presided over by Mr. Hiller’s estimable wife, formerly Miss Sarah Roseberry, daughter of Thomas H. and Mary (Hill) Roseberry, to whom he was married September 27, 1857.  Mrs. H. was also born in Greene county, Pa., but accompanied her parents to Clarke county, Mo., in an early day.  Their family numbers seven children: William, John M., Margaret M., wife of Hosea Potter; Charlotte A., Harriet F., Sarah E. and Eva E.  One important item in the life history of Mr. Hiller should not be overlooked—that referring to his military record.  He first enlisted as a guide and scout and for a time was under Gen. Blount and Col. Judson, of the 6^th Kansas; subsequently he entered the 2d Missouri, and afterwards the 35^th Missouri, serving until the close of the war, a portion of the time as first lieutenant.

[Transcribed by Becky Siple]

 A - B    C - D     E - G     H - L     M - N     O - R     S - T     U - Z

Please contact the County Coordinator if you have family information or photos that can be displayed on this page.