William Beckett Hills

William Beckett Hills was an American planter and solider who served in the 3rd South Carolina Cavalry under Col. Charles Colcock during the American Civil War. During the American Civil War he fought in the battles of Secessionville, Honey Hill, Tulifinny, Rivers' Bridge, and Bentonville.

Early life

William Beckett Hills was born in 1845 to Joseph Washington Hill I and Adella Malvina Beckett. He married Martha Cannon Webb circa 1870.

Military service

He joined the Confederate States Army and was A Part of the 3rd South Carolina Cavalry under Charles J. Colcock.

His early service was centered around the defense of Charleston Harbor until 1862 when his unit took part in the Battle of Secessionville. This engangement took place on James Island where union forces attempted to take Charleston harbor from the south. As the war progressed, his cavlary unit became closely assoicated with the protection of vital railways and supply lines inland in South Carolina. Hills served at several other battles later in the war including the Battle of Honey Hill and the Battle of Rivers' Bridge.

With General Sherman marching through the Carolinas, Hills and the 3rd South Carolina Cavalry were drawn inland and fought in some of the last battles of the war, eventually surrendering with the Army of Tennessee and General Johnston at Bennett Place.

Later life

After the Civil War he returned to Charleston County, South Carolina, where he lived on his farm until his death. He and his wife Martha Webb had seven children, one of which, John Terry Hills I, became the Superintendent for Roads in Charleston County, South Carolina, and married Susan Morrison, a granddaughter of Richard Morrison II and a daughter of James Morrison. He died aged 61 in Johns Island, South Carolina.