Dr. Overton Terry Azbill was the son of William "Billy Azbill (1787-1873) and Alah Cecille (VanWinkle) (1794-1838). Overton was the youngest child of about 10 known children born to his parents. His father was also remarried after his mother died and reportedly had other children.

In the 1850 census, Overton was age 15 and living with Thomas and Nancy Becknell in Madison County, Kentucky. This was an older couple and presumed to be his extended family as his paternal grandmother was raised by Becknells, and his future wife was a Becknell. Overton was probably working for them.

On February 4, 1854 in Estill County, Kentucky, Overton at age 18 married Elizabeth T. Becknell, age 15, daughter of Linsfield and Mary Polly Becknell of Estill County, Kentucky.

Overton was reportedly a very enterprising young man. It seems he had a wide variety of interests and skills and used all of them. He became a medical doctor, but as the need called for, he could also be a dentist and a veterinarian. He was not above physical labor as it was reported he could do carpentry work, be a blacksmith, and a gunsmith, the latter of which was his father's trade. Even beyond this, Overton was also a minister who preached in many churches of various denominations.

Overton was also interested in politics and reportedly knew President Abraham Lincoln. During the Civil War, it is said that Lincoln sent Dr. Rev. Azbill to England on a diplomatic mission. He carried secret papers sewn in the tail of his long-tailed minister's coat to the British Prime Minister. It is said that these papers were welcomed by the European officials and because of them, England stayed neutral during the American Civil War.

Overton and Elizabeth Azbill had the following known children:

Nancy Ellen "Nannie" Azbill 1855-1925
Mary Louise Azbill 1857-1918
Joseph R. Azbill 1858-1914
William D. Azbill 1860-
Charles M. Azbill 1862-
Juann Azbill 1864-
Chilela J. "Sky" Azbill 1865-1903
Laura B. Azbill 1868-
Dr. Albert H. "Bert" Azbill 1871-1919

In the 1860 census, Overton was living in Jackson County, Kentucky. Their post office was McKee. He was 23 and wife Elizabeth was 20. They had their first 3 children at this time, ages 5, 3, and 1.

In the 1870 census, the family was living in Palestine, Crawford County, Illinois. Overton was 34, listed as a minister, wife Elizabeth was 31, and 7 children were in the home. The oldest child was gone from the home and the youngest child listed above had not yet been born.

In the 1880 census, the Azbills were living in Raccoon, Laurel County, Kentucky. Overton was 44, a medical doctor, and wife Elizabeth was 41. Six children were still in the home.

Overton died in 1896 and Elizabeth in 1913.

- Written by Blytha (Dennis) Ellis, distant cousin to Overton.