The
Online Archive of Terry's Texas Rangers
Sharing & preserving the history of the 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment, 1861-1865
The
Online Archive of A Memorial
and Biographical History
of Johnson and Hill Counties
Terry W. Wilie
Terry W. Wilie came with his parents to Texas in 1858, locating in Limestone county, where they rented land near Springfield two years, and then bought and improved a farm. In 1861 he enlisted in Granbury’s company, Seventh Texas Infantry, and was sent to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where he was taken sick and sent to the hospital at Clarksville, Tennessee. After his recovery he returned to his command, working his way to Nashville, when they were all taken prisoners at Fort Donelson, Tennessee. Mr. Wilie then joined the Texas Rangers, was in the battle of Shiloh and many skirmishes, was in the advance of Bragg’s command through Kentucky, and afterward with the rear guard of that general’s retreat to Perryville, and was in the battle there. He was also in the battle of Stone River and on to Tullahoma, where he was captured while on skirmishing duty, and carried to Cowan Station and there paroled, but not set free. He was then sent to Nashville, next to Louisville, then to Camp Chase, Ohio, and afterward to Camp Douglas, Chicago, where he remained a prisoner until June 14, 1865.
At the close of the war Mr. Wilie landed at Shreveport, Lousianan, without money or good clothing, and 250 miles from home. He soon found employment to drive stock to a place near his home, for which he received 25 cents per day, and arrived home July 16, 1865. He lived with his father and an uncle until the following June, when he was again employed to drive stock, being absent three months. He next took a drove of horses to Louisiana, which he sold successfully, and his father then gave him and his younger brother a tract of land. Soon afterward Mr. Wilie purchased his brother’s interest in the land, and in 1874 he erected a comfortable house, and has since engaged in improving his place. From time to time he has added to his land until he now owns 500 acres, 150 acres of which is cultivated, and he also owns 400 acres three miles from the home farm.
Mr. Wilie married Miss Cullie B. Adams, a daughter of Samuel Adams, who came to Fannin county, Texas, in 1852. They had five children, only one of whom still survives: Walter A., born January 14, 1876, is at home. The wife and mother died September 28, 1881, and December 4, 1883, the father married Maggie A., widow of Mr. Tummins, and a sister of his former wife. They have had four children, three of whom still survive: Terry W., born September 8, 1886; Charles L., December 16, 1887; and Denny E., September 27, 1890. Mr. Wilie has served as County Commissioner four years, is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Baptist Church; his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
A Memorial and Biographical History of Johnson and Hill Counties. Lewis Publishing, Chicago, 1892.
A Memorial and Biographical History of Johnson and Hill Counties, Texas
Illustrated
Containing the Early History of this Important Section of the great State of Texas, together with Glimpses of its Future Prospects: also Biographical Mention of Many of the Pioneers and Prominent Citizens of the Present Time, and Full-Page Portraits of some of the most Eminent Men of this Section.
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“A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendents.”—Macauley.
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Chicago:
The Lewis Publishing Company.
1892.