McDonough ILGenWeb

TERRILL, Henry. — The general mercantile establishment of Henry and Edward Terrill, at Colchester, covers the largest floor space, and does about the largest business, of any concern of its kind in McDonough County. At its head are two comparatively young men of both insight and experience, who thoroughly understand their occupation and enjoy the confidence and hearty support of the community. The merits of the family are too well known to require recapitulation or emphasis here, and special mention being made elsewhere in this work of its founder, Thomas Terrill, a hardy Cornwallian, who rose to wealth and prominence through the most elemental conditions, and who, with the help of his wife, Jeannette (Cowan) Terrill, a native of Nova Scotia, reared to useful and practical careers a large family of children.

Henry Terrill was born in Colchester, Ill., August 2, 1858, and at the age of thirteen, leaving the school room, began work in the coal mines near Colchester, where, at the end of ten years, he was advanced to the position of hoisting engineer. In 1887, with his father and two brothers, he embarked in the mercantile business, dealing in groceries, clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, etc., under the firm name of Terrill & Sons. The firm and business underwent various changes between its establishment and 1904, in which year the firm name was changed to Henry and Edward Terrill, under which it still is doing business, catering to a large town and country trade.

On March 25, 1880, Mr. Terrill married Martha Usher, who was born in Pleasant View, Ill., a daughter of George Usher, who now makes his home with his daughter and son-in-law. Mr. Usher was born in New Castle-on-Tyne, England, May 1, 1823, a son of Walter and Emma (Wier) Usher, natives of the same place. Mr. Usher was sixteen years old when he came to the United States and settled in Zanesville, Ohio, whence he removed to Schuyler County, Ill., in 1854. He came to Colchester in 1862, and thereafter followed his occupation of mining for the remainder of his active life. April 20, 1846, he married Margaret Underhill, who was born in Zanesville, Ohio, September 22, 1829, and who became the mother of six children: Anna, Jane, Emma, Hannah, Angelica and Martha. Mr. Usher is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Methodist. Mr. and Mrs. Terrill are the parents of three children: Fred, Earl and George.

Politically, Mr. Terrill is a Republican, and in addition to holding the office of County Treasurer from 1898 to 1902, has served as Supervisor of his township since 1903, acting also as Overseer of the Poor during the same period. Fraternally, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, Rebekahs and Royal Neighbors. He is a capable and energetic business man, and a popular and public-spirited citizen.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 1017, extracted 07 Aug 2020 by Norma Hass.