While it is necessary that a man of excellent executive force be at the head of extensive business concerns, the success of every enterprise must depend in a very large measure upon the faithful performance of duty by each employee, and the aggregate effort in such cases results in prosperity for the concern. William E. Prill is one of the oldest employees in years of continued service with Ford & Company, and at all times has merited the confidence and trust reposed in him. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, September 22, 1859, and when only three years of age was brought to Tippecanoe City by his parents, John and Eliza (Smith) Prill. The father carried on blacksmithing at this place until his death, which occurred in 1896, when he had attained the age of eighty-four years. His widow still survives him, as do their two children, Ophelia Ann, now the wife of J. C. Collins, of Pontiac, Michigan, and W. E., of this review.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the usual routine of boy life during the early years of William Prill, and in 1874, at the age of fifteen, he entered upon his business career as an employee of Ford & Company, the tasks assigned him being those usually given an errand boy. His fidelity and close application won him promotion from time to time. He worked in the spoke department for a considerable period and performed other services in the shop until August, 1898, when he was appointed to succeed E. A. Jackson in the office. He then assumed charge of the shipping interests and other detail work of the house, and the firm has found him a most valuable representative. With the exception of three men he is now the oldest employee of the company, having been connected therewith for twenty-six years.

On the 7th of January, 1882, William E. Prill was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Belle Hutchins, daughter of Colonel R. P. Hutchins, who was commander of the Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the civil war and is now a resident of Knoxville, Arkansas. Mrs. Prill was born in Tippecanoe City on the 30th of April, 1862. In the family is an adopted daughter, Bertha Maud, who has found a pleasant home with Mr. and Mrs. Prill since the age of seven years, and is now a school girl of thirteen. Our subject and his wife hold membership in the English Lutheran church, in which he is filling the office of deacon. Mrs. Prill is a graduate of the Tippecanoe City high school and a member of the Chautauqua Circle and is a lady of culture and refinement, who presides with gracious hospitality over their pleasant home. In his social relations Mr. Prill is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Tippecanoe Lodge, No. 247, in which he has passed all the chairs and is now a member of the board of trustees. He and his wife affiliate with the Rebekah degree of the fraternity, and he is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias lodge. His political support is given the Republican party, and he takes a deep and active interest in its growth and welfare. He served for two years as a member of the county executive committee and his labors have been effective in promoting its interests. Almost his entire life has been passed in Tippecanoe City, and his sterling qualities have gained for him the esteem of his fellow men.