William Riley Hampton was b. 3-11-1813 Thur., Shakersville, Logan co., KY., s/o James and ? (Taylor) Hampton. He came to Illinois in 1834 when he was 21 years old. William met Nancy Ann Williams in Illinois and were married on 12-11-1834 Thur., Montgomery Co., Illinois. William and Nancy were the parents of 11 children. Four of their sons served in the rebellion. William was a farmer by occupation, devoting his entire life to the tilling of the soil and through his perserverance and energy he was able to provide a comfortable living for his family, saving them from many of the hardships and trials of pioneer life. "Uncle Riley" as he was called by his neighbors and friends, was one of the pioneer methodists of Illinois. He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Ames and was licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcapol Church. The family was ever prominent in all the work of the Church and identified with all religious enterprises. Their home for many years was the regular preaching place and the preacher's home in that community. It was chirfly through the influence and financial aid of the family that Mt. Pleasant Church of the circuit was built. William died 9-26-1893 Tuesday at his home in Donnellson, Illinois. He and Nancy had attended the Hillsboro Old Settlers Meeting 9-20th and were the oldest couple present who had lived on the same homestead in Montgomery Co., the longest time, he having lived on the farm where he died for 49 years. On the following Sun., he was suddenly stricken with an ailment to which he was subject and was helpless and speechless up to the time of his death. Thus passed away one who had long been associated with the agricultural development of Montgomery Co., Illinois. He was survived by Nancy and 5 children.