William Moss is a son of Eli and Dicie (Brock) Moss, who were born and reared and married in the Palmetto State. They came to Tennessee in 1822 and located in McMinn County where they spent the remainder of their days. The father died in 1844 and the mother in 1874. The father was a democrat, a farmer and a member of the Christian Church. His wife was a Missionary Baptist and became the mother of four sons and four daughters.
William Moss was born in McMinn, Colorado in 1826. He was raised on a farm, received a common school education and made his home with his mother until twenty three years of age. In 1847 he married Betsey A. Bowers by whom he had ten children, five sons and five daughters. Both husband and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and their youngest son is a Methodist. Mr. Moss served about five months during the late war, but the needs of his family demanded his presence at home. He is a democrat and a good citizen of Lake County, coming to the same in 1874, though previously residing a short time in Hardeman County. He owns 210 acres of land.