My Genealogy Hound

William P. Hill, farmer and miller, was born in the Blue-grass State in 1818. His parents were William and Sarah (Copeland) Hill. The father’s ancestors were of Irish birth. He was born in North Carolina in 1791, and was educated at Hillsboro, his native town, taking a theological course, and afterward pursued that study in a Presbyterian university of that State. He moved to Logan County, Ky., when a young man, and was married in 1816. He followed his calling in Adairsville, but was cut down in the vigor of manhood, his death occurring in 1818. About three years later his widow married Robert B. Payne, and died in 1856. William P. Hill resided with his mother and acquired a fair English education in the neighboring schools. In 1821 he removed with his mother and step-father to Weakley County, Tenn., where he has since spent the most of his days. In 1836 he entered a mercantile establishment at Dresden, where he was employed as sales man a number of years. In 1841 he commenced merchandising on his own responsibility at Christmasville, Carroll County, where he remained four years. He then farmed in Weakley County until 1850. He removed to Troy, Obion County, where he began merchandising, and in 1856 was elected county register, in which capacity he served the public four years to the general satisfaction of all. In 1860 he started to emigrate to Texas, but while in Arkansas was deterred from proceeding on his journey by the State forces, and was compelled to abandon his project and settle in that vicinity. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, First Missouri Regiment, and was made quartermaster. After the regiment was reorganized he was again chosen quartermaster with the rank and pay of colonel. He participated in many hard-fought battles. January 28, 1841, he was married to Miss Olive Taylor, and of their five children two are living: Erasmus and Laura V. (widow of Aaron Franklin). Mrs. Hill died in the latter part of 1865. In 1866 Mr. Hill married Louisa M. Null, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are living: James F., Mary O., Luella, Sterling Price, Robert Lee and William Bate. In 1885 Mr. Hill purchased 600 acres of land in the Fifteenth District, on which he now resides. He served a number of years as magistrate of Carroll County and as deputy sheriff of Weakley County. He is a Democrat, Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F., and his wife is a worthy member of the Baptist Church.