THE FORMER University of Tennessee (UT) professor, writer, and author Warren Gill grew up on the historic Greer-Gill farm in a small town outside of Petersburg. His grandfather bought the land in 1943, and the Gill family continues to care for the land today. The National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior placed the farm on the National Register of Historic Places, a tremendous accomplishment for the family.
The farm originally belonged to the Greer family and later became the Greer-Gill farm. Joseph Greer, a Revolutionary War veteran, earned the title of “King’s Mountain Messenger” after he notified the Continental Congress about the American victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain after the Revolutionary War.
Gill said the victory was a “big win” because it helped Greer receive a 2,566-acre grant to help establish their community on December 17, 1794.
The Gill family created lasting memories on their farm, and Warren Gill said he made some of his fondest memories at their lovely “Cane Creek.”
With a family of farmers, the Gill family has had a long line of dedicated Tennessee Walking Horse participants since its beginning. His grandfather was one of the originators of the Tennessee Walking Horse Greeters and Exhibitors Association. With historical roots in the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration, his father showed in Shelbyville’s first Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration. His mother attended every Celebration from 1999 until a year before her passing. His brother-in-law, Dr. Doyle Meadows, was a director of the Celebration for five years which Gill said brought them even closer to the Celebration.
Gill was a professor at UT from June 1985 to July 2007. He was also the chair of the agriculture department of Middle Tennessee State University for eight years. After the passing of his wife, he moved back to his home farm.
Gill is a writer for the Elk Valley Times and author of “Cane Creek Days.”
He said, “I write for fun. I write what I enjoy.”
His inspiration for writing his book came from revolutionary war hero Joseph Greer.
“Cane Creek Days” is the memoir of a little boy growing up on a farm that lives the kind of farm life that no longer exists. It is a heartwarming story about a small town near Cane Creek where the wind blows, and the fields and trees are plentiful.
Gill said he tries to devote some time every day to writing. He believes that keeping your mind and body active is important and writing and being creative helps him to do just that.
The Petersburg native said that writing his books connects him with former colleagues and students, so it is no surprise that he caters his stories to young adults.
“Young people have been a part of my career all along.”
Gill’s love for creativity and storytelling continues as he hopes to have his new fiction book, “Princess of Horses,” out by Christmas. He said his target audience for this book is young adults. Warren uses his creativity in writing to inspire many to dream big and boldly pursue their dreams but most importantly to never forget where they came from. GN
