Parsons, Col. William and Shiach, W. S.  "An Illustrated History of Umatilla
County and of Morrow County." Spokane, WA: W. H. Lever, 1902. p. 572.
 
WILLIAM Y. CECIL

     deceased. ----- Surely these pages would be incomplete were there failure
to incorporate herein an epitome of the career of the worthy pioneer and
distinguished citizen whose life was spent in doing good and whose pure and
upright example was a light to all, while his unsullied reputation and
untarnished character were as patent as the commendable qualities that made him
a beloved and esteemed friend and benefactor.  To such as one we offer the
tribute of this brief memorial and feel assured that we can but poorly mention
the excellent qualities that were so commendably displayed throughout his
extended life and with which he was so richly endowed.
     Mr. Cecil was born on May 24, 1819, in England, being the son of Wilfred
and Mary Cecil, natives respectively of England and Germany. While yet a child
his parents came to the United States and settled in Illinois, later removing to
Livingston county, Missouri, whence in 1862 they came to Umatilla county,
settling on Willow creek, twelve miles northwest from lone, where his widow
still lives. A number of times while crossing the plains they barely escaped
from the savages with their lives. At this early date he embarked in raising
cattle and was prosperous from the beginning and in this occupation lie
continued steadily until the time of his death which occurred on November 6,
1896. He left a fine estate of eight hundred acres of deeded land well improved
with a handsome two-story residence and other substantial products of his skill
and industry. His is one of the oldest places selected in the county which has
continued in the hands of its first owner until the present.  Mr. Cecil was a
man admired and beloved by all for his wisdom and kindness and many excellent
qualities.  He was an active citizen, taking a commendable interest in politics
and the affairs of the county and educational matters. He and his estimable wife
were members of the Christian church and his life was consistent with the faith
that cheered him during all its years and lighted the way in his last journey.
In his demise there passed one of the noblest citizens of this county and a true
Christian man, ever faithful, loving and wise.
     The marriage of Mr. Cecil and Miss Mary, daughter of Nathan and Eliza Jane
(McNerry) Robison, was solemnized on December 11, 1847, and to them were born
the following children: James; Henrietta, wife of T. A. Rhea; Nathan; Eliza J.,
wife of James Robertson; Wilfred; William; H.; Frank; Anna Laura; Walter; and an
infant. The last four are deceased. Mrs. Cecil lives on the old place, spending
the golden years, of her life in retirement, rejoicing in the faith that has
been her cheer and stay during a long life of usefulness, and manifesting forth
those virtues and graces that adorn the faithful and humble Christian, while the
hope that is as an anchor to the soul lifts her above the weariness of earth, in
joy and anticipation of that which is to come.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.