Wilson Edgar Terry

Wilson Edgar Terry (March 7, 1874 – February 15, 1968) was an American military officer in the Spanish–American War. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living veteran born in Kentucky. He was appointed a Kentucky Colonel in 1962.

Early life

Wilson Edgar Terry was born on March 7, 1874, in Crockettsville, Breathitt County, Kentucky, to Sytha (née Caudill) and Isaac Terry. He graduated from Lees Junior College.<ref name="obit">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Open access</ref><ref name="obit2">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Open access</ref>

Career

After leaving school, Terry joined Company G of the 44th Regiment of the U.S. Army on September 19, 1899. He served in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. He served two years and was discharged when his unit mustered out on June 30, 1901.<ref name="obit"/><ref name="obit2"/>

In 1902, Terry became a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church in Cow Creek, Kentucky. In 1926, he became a preacher there.<ref name="obit2"/> While in Kentucky, he worked as a farmer and notary public. He also lived in Kings Mills, Ohio.<ref name="obit2"/> He managed a general store there.<ref name="obit2"/>Template:Citation needed He also lived in Mason, Ohio.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Open access</ref> He was a Republican.<ref name="obit2"/>

On April 24, 1962, Governor Bert T. Combs appointed him a Kentucky Colonel.<ref name="obit2"/>

Personal life

In 1902, Terry married Ida Louise Kidd. They had one daughter, Grace Elizabeth. His wife died in 1904.<ref name="obit2"/> On December 24, 1906, he married Ruse Wilder of Owsley County. They had five daughters and two sons, Berniece, Viola, Arlie, Audrey, Doris, Oakley L. and Howard C. His wife died in 1961.<ref name="obit"/><ref name="obit2"/><ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Open access</ref> Throughout his life, he lived in Owsley, Perry and Boone counties. In late life, he moved in with his daughter in Logan, Indiana.<ref name="obit"/> He went by the nicknames in Willie and Bill.<ref name="obit2"/>

Terry entered the Veteran's Hospital in Cincinnati on November 11, 1967. He died there on February 15, 1968, following a bladder operation. He was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason, Ohio.<ref name="obit2"/> At the time of his death, he was the oldest living veteran born in Kentucky.<ref name="obit2"/>