WYATT C. FERRELL, Pioneer.

The subject of this sketch was born in Smith County, Tennessee, June 25. 1829. His father was William Ferrell, a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought under Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. He died in March, 1867. His grandfather was an Englishman, and fought under Cornwallis in the Revolutionary War. In August, 1862, Wyatt enlisted in the 128th. Ill. as First Sergeant, from which he was transferred in the Spring of 1863 to the 9th. Ill., where his regiment soon redeemed the unfortunate record of the “Bloody 128th.” He fought during the whole period of the war and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 9, 1865. He was made Captain of his company in 1864, and served as such until mustered out.

He moved with his parents from Tennessee to Williamson County and settled near Sarahsville October 30, 1839. Until the war he followed farming, but after its close, went to St. Louis and learned the trade of gunsmith, which he followed for more than 45 years, and until his failing eyesight prevented.

His first wife was Sarah Jane Blackman, to whom he was married June 8, 1848. By her he had three children, two of whom are living: Ezra and John, both living in Saline County. His second marriage took place November 2, 1864, to Emmeline Edrington, by whom three children were born. They were Franklin M., now in Johnson County; Mrs. Emma Adams, and Mrs. Martha Francis. His second wife died April 25, 1891, and he took for his third wife Elvira Reid, October 15, 1896. One child, Claud, now seven years old, is the fruit of this union.

Source: J. F. Wilcox, Historical Souvenir of Williamson County, Illinois: Being a Brief Review of the County from Date of Founding to the Present (Effingham, IL: The LeCrone Press, 1905), 144.