WILLIAM VAIL

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 428:

William Vail

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 6, Post-office, Hume).

   Mr. Vail is now little past the page of 57 years, having been born on the 7^th of October, 1829.  He is a Canadian by birth, as was also his father, Isaac Vail, but his mother, whose maiden name was Marry Campbell, came originally from Highland, Scotland.  She left there when 17 years old and emigrated to Canada, where she afterwards married Mr. V.  The latter died in that country in 1857, his widow surviving until 1883, when she, too, passed away.  Nine children were born to them, but only six of these—five besides William—survive.  Their names are Susan, John, Betsey, George and Isaac.  The subject of this sketch was brought up on his father’s farm and early identified himself with agricultural pursuits.  In April, 1857, he came to the United States, locating in Kansas, where some years later he joined the army, becoming a member of the 6^th Kansas cavalry. With this command he served for three years, two months, and 20 days, obtaining an extensive military experience. In July, 1863, his health having been impaired, he was assigned to duty in the ordnance department at Fort Scott as issuing clerk, a position in which he continued during the remainder of his term of service.  On the 30^th of September, 1865, Mr. Vail located upon his present farm, and for over 20 years he has been a respected resident of this community, aiding its progress in many ways. Among other indications of his liberality and progressive spirit it may be mentioned that in 1866 he erected and paid for the Duncan Creek school-house, though at the time he had no children to be benefited by such an enterprise. Subsequently he was reimbursed for the amount thus expended, though no interest on the money was charged, neither was anything given for his time devoted to it. In other ways he has done much for the good of those among him. February 7, 1862, he was married to Mrs. Ellen Farewell, née Manlove, of Illinois. They have had six children:  Mary Isabel, William H., Annie, Homer, Lizzie, and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Vail and five of the children are members of the M. E. Church South.

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