Biography of 	William K. Wilson, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller September 2000

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The city of New Orleans has become a well-known industrial center, and here are located some of
the largest works in the various lines, the Copper, Brass & Iron works, of William K. Wilson,
being among the number.  The business was founded in 1879, and from a small beginning has
developed into its present admirable proportions, which result is entirely owing to the ample
practical experience and the close supervision of details by Mr. Wilson.  He began with no
capital save a good constitution and an ample amount of brains, but obtained a considerable
amount of employment in the sugar districts, making tanks for refining, and oil mills, his
annual income amounting to between $60,000 and $70,000.  So successful has he been that an
enlargement of his facilities are necessary and he will soon erect an extensive building on
Tchaupitoulas street, and will endeavor to still more extend his business relations. He was
born in Toronto, Canada, July l8, l842, and there partially learned his trade prior to leaving
that city for New York at the age of nineteen years.  After spending some time in that city and
Philadelphia he went to St. Louis and other important Western cities, and for two years had
entire charge of a large copper, brass sheet-iron works.  During the Civil war he served in the
United States navy and during his service made his first trip to New Orleans.  In 1870 he
turned his footsteps in the direction of this city and for a number of years thereafter was in
the employ of Hennessy & Bro., then commenced for himself as above stated.  For about one year
he was a member of the firm of Wilson, Garrity & Co., dealers in mill and engineer's supplies,
but this enterprise proving disastrous financially, Mr. Wilson withdrew and some time after
became associated with a Mr. Frederick in the same business which connection also lasted one
year.  Since conducting his own affairs he has been more successful and now keeps constantly
employed between thirty and forty men, but has constant supervision over every department of
his work which is without doubt a secret of his success.  On June 5, 1872, he led to the
hymenial altar Miss A. M. Barrett, of New Orleans, who bore him one son and two daughters.  The
former, William A., is the only surviving member of the family, the two daughters having died
of yellow fever, one at the ago of four years and the other when three years old.  Mr. Wilson
is a member of the Commercial club, and socially belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and since 1872
has been a member of the K. of P.  Although Mr. Wilson is now in his fiftieth year, he carries
his age well, in fact, does not look over forty years of age.  He is a fine looking gentleman,
and in his demeanor is courteous and affable.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 462.  Published by the
Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.