(From the Story of the Epperson Family of Albemarle County, Virginia, by Edna Epperson Brinkman: John Hiram Epperson and Family, pages 87-91.)

John Hiram Epperson, sixth child and third son of Pedro Willis and Elizabeth Hart Epperson, was born January 3, 1835, in Montgomery County, Indiana. He was one year old when his parents moved to Knox County, Illinois. John went to the public schools. In 1862 he married Nancy Mouck. Two weeks after, he enlisted in the 83rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served until he was compelled to retire on account of disabilities during the siege of Fort Donelson.

In 1883 John and Nancy moved to Reno County, Kansas, settling on a farm. By close application and prudence he acquired property which gave him and his family a substantial income.

(S. McCoy note: According to his grandson, John Harold Epperson, John Hiram purchased 160 acres west of Hutchinson, KS, near Whitesides station, then 160 acres more from a neighbor and planted trees, which all died. He then purchased a quarter section to the north of his own and gave it to his daughter, Edith (married Edwin Secrest and moved to Seattle,WA). This land was farmed for a time and then leased. John Hiram's son, John Claude, was upset about this and got Edith's quarter section back. John Hiram's son, Willis Clyde Epperson, Sr., bought 160 acres across the road from his father's land and 160 acres to the east, plus 160 acres for each of his four children.)

John Hiram Epperson moved from the farm home to East Sherman Street, Hutchinson, KS, where he died February 20, 1903. He was a beloved pioneer, a Christian whose life was a benediction to his friends. His wife, Nancy, lived but five years after his death. She passed away in Seattle, WA, at the home of her daughter, Edith (Mrs. Edwin Secrest), on February 20, 1908.

To John and Nancy were born five children, Arthur Hiram Epperson, Maud M. Epperson, John Claude Epperson, Willis "Perdo" Clyde Epperson, and Edith Epperson. They all lived to be married. They have been true to their father's and mother's ideals and have brought nothing but honor to their family name and have become the type of citizen our country needs most.