WILLIAM A. TERRILL

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 560-561:

William A. Terrill

(Farmer and Raiser of Thoroughbred Stock, Section 33, Post-office, Walker).

   As one of the prominent citizens of this township Mr. Terrill is well known, and the reputation which he enjoys is by no means a local one.  His connection with the stock affairs of this vicinity has placed him before the people of other localities in such a manner as to give him an extensive acquaintance and popularity which he warmly merits.  Wm. A. Terrill was born in Garrard county, Ky., February 26, 1844, the eldest of eleven children (nine now living) born to Elijah J. and Susan B. Terrill, née Smith, both of which were Kentuckians by birth.  The father is a farmer by occupation and is still a resident of the Blue Grass State, a hale, hearty gentleman 72 years of age; his worthy companion is also spared to him, and is 67 years old.  William A., as the oldest son of an agriculturist, very naturally grew up to an agricultural experience and his entire attention during life has been directed to this channel.  His education opportunities while young were only such as could be obtained in the common schools, though sufficient for all practical purposes.  When 18 years of age he enlisted in Co. B. 8^th Kentucky cavalry, under Gen. John Morgan, and took part in that commander’s remarkable campaigns through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio; as orderly under Gen. Clark, he served until his capture at Buffington, O., from whence he was sent to Camp Morton, Ind., and about a month later to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he remained some 18 months.  During this period he suffered many hardships and privations and, indeed, a true account of the brutalities which these prisons were obliged to undergo would fill a volume.  The pangs of hunger, known to so many during these dark days, sickness which so often resulted in death, horrors which the mind of to-day cannot realize – all these were experienced by Mr. Terrill until his release in Montgomery county, Va., after which, in company with some 20 other fellow-sufferers, he started on foot for home, finally reaching his destination in safety.  Mr. Terrill was married April 5, 1877, to Miss Sophia J. Hill, and they have had the following children:  Roy, born January 17, 1878, died July 5, 1879; Josie, born October 27, 1880, and Harry L., born January 22, 1884.  Mr. T. is the owner of a valuable and highly improved farm in section 33, upon which he raises quite extensively thoroughbred Short-horns, Poland China hogs and Southdown sheep.  The latter class of stock deserve special mention, as some of his animals have secured prizes at several fairs, among other places at the fair in Kansas City.  In politics he is Democratic.  Live, enterprising and progressive, he has done much through his influence in elevating and advancing the interest of this community, and by his honor and genial disposition has established himself in the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

[Transcribed by Julia Brown ]

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