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William J. “Stiller Bill” Caudill

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William J. “Stiller Bill” Caudill

Birth
Kentucky, USA
Death
26 Nov 1908 (aged 81)
Kentucky, USA
Burial
Blackey, Letcher County, Kentucky, USA Add to Map
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Stiller Bill was a farmer, and an excellent hunter. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he enlisted in the Southern Cause and served in some of its hottest battlefields until its end.

Not only disappointed at the losing cause, he came home to find his farm overgrown with briars and bushes, and to find his family almost in poverty as were his neighbors. Seeking a quick solution to cope with his critical situation, he set-up for production of corn whiskey and apple and peach brandy. His proficiency paid off. He was regarded for years as one of the finest makers of these products and thus achieved the title which made him well-known as Stiller Bill.

In 1888 the manufacture and sale of intoxicants were outlawed and he was soon apprehended by John Back and other officers at the time. The trek to the courthouse for trial had not gone far when Stiller Bill gave his word to the arresting officers that he would quit the business completely if released. Knowing Bill, the officers accepted his offer and returned home. True to his mountain integrity, he never produced another drop. He returned to farming and also entered bee raising. He soon had hundreds of stands for an abundant production of honey.∼Born: 5 Jul 1827 Place: , Letcher County, Kentucky
Died: 26 Nov 1908 Place:
Married: 2 Feb 1845 Place: , Letcher County, Kentucky

Father: William C. CAUDILL
Mother: Nancy CRAFT


Wife's Name
Nancy DICKSON

Born: Apr 1830 Place: Of, Letcher, Ky
Died: 1899 Place:
Married: 2 Feb 1845 Place: , Letcher County, Kentucky

Father: Thomas S. DICKSON
Mother: Susan PROFFITT
Stiller Bill was a farmer, and an excellent hunter. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he enlisted in the Southern Cause and served in some of its hottest battlefields until its end.

Not only disappointed at the losing cause, he came home to find his farm overgrown with briars and bushes, and to find his family almost in poverty as were his neighbors. Seeking a quick solution to cope with his critical situation, he set-up for production of corn whiskey and apple and peach brandy. His proficiency paid off. He was regarded for years as one of the finest makers of these products and thus achieved the title which made him well-known as Stiller Bill.

In 1888 the manufacture and sale of intoxicants were outlawed and he was soon apprehended by John Back and other officers at the time. The trek to the courthouse for trial had not gone far when Stiller Bill gave his word to the arresting officers that he would quit the business completely if released. Knowing Bill, the officers accepted his offer and returned home. True to his mountain integrity, he never produced another drop. He returned to farming and also entered bee raising. He soon had hundreds of stands for an abundant production of honey.∼Born: 5 Jul 1827 Place: , Letcher County, Kentucky
Died: 26 Nov 1908 Place:
Married: 2 Feb 1845 Place: , Letcher County, Kentucky

Father: William C. CAUDILL
Mother: Nancy CRAFT


Wife's Name
Nancy DICKSON

Born: Apr 1830 Place: Of, Letcher, Ky
Died: 1899 Place:
Married: 2 Feb 1845 Place: , Letcher County, Kentucky

Father: Thomas S. DICKSON
Mother: Susan PROFFITT

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