William F Musgrove was one of the oldest settlers in Richland County, coming here with his parents in 1820. He was born July 13, 1816, in Jefferson County, Ky, and when he was about two years old, his parents brought him to Lawrence County, Ind., and two years later removed to Lawrence County, Il., and settled on what is known as the Springtown Prairie. Here William was reared, and when a boy, drove team from Louisville, Ky., and Evansville, Ind., for John C. Riley, of Lawrenceville, Il., working for him in this way for about five years. He afterwards teamed for Steward about two years, and since that time, he has been engaged in farming. In about 1838, he entered forty acres of land, adding from time to time by purchasing as he was able to do so, until he now owns 300 acres, 160 which he has under improvement. Flies in the early time was so numerous, that on riding a horse across the prairie, he would drop instantly and roll, the rider would hurriedly dismount, and as the horse would rise, he would as quickly remount, and proceed a short distance, when the horse would again fall, continuing this way until the end of the journey. Wheat was hauled to Evansville at 37 1/2 cents a bushel, and pork sold at $1.50 per 100 pounds. A good cow at that time could be bought for $6.00. Mr. Musgrove has been Town Commissioner and School Treasurer. He also packed the mails from Mt. Carmel to Lawrenceville, Stringtown, St. Marie, Newton, and to Greenup in Cumberland County. He was about two years engaged in this work. He was married in 1839 to Martha Bullard, of Illinois. Mrs. Musgrove died July 1854, aged thirty-eight years. Six children blessed this union, five sons and one daughter. He was next married January 22, 1855, to Mrs. Sophia Burnell, daughter of Benjamin SUMNER, in honor of whom the town of Sumner was named. She was born July 21, 1826. They have four children: two sons and two daughters. His son John B., served in the late war.
- Counties of Cumberland, Jasper and Richland, Illinois: Historical and Biographical (1884)

William Musgrove came to Lawrence county, Ind. when he was two years old and two years later came to Lawrence county, IL. He married Martha Bullard in 1839. She died July 1854, age 38 years. They had six children, five sons and one daughter. He married Sophia Sumner Burnell Jan 22, 1855. They had four children, two sons and two daughters.