WILSON BIOGRAPHIES, Henry County, Missouri ==================================================================== WILSON, Bruce M. source: 1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co - page: 869 residence: Montrose, Deepwater Twp Bruce M. Wilson, farmer and stockman, Montrose, Missouri, is a native son of Henry County and is a member of one of the oldest and most prominent of the pioneer families of the county. He was born in Deepwater township, October 8, 1867, on the old Wilson homestead and is the son of Joseph H. Wilson, concerning whom an extended biography is given in this volume. He was educated in the public schools of Deepwater township and the Methodist Episcopal College at Morrisville, Missouri. Mr. Wilson has always been engaged in farming and stock raising and resided on the farm until his removal to a home in Montrose, Missouri, December 22, 1916. He is owner of 236 acres of land in Henry County and is cultivating the old home place of the Wilson family in partnership with Edward Houx. Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Maud (Post) Colson on December 22, 1916. Mrs. Wilson is the daughter of Allen and Caroline Post, former residents of Deepwater township, who were old settlers of Henry County and who are both deceased. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church of which Mrs. Wilson is a member. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Montrose and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Clinton, Missouri. ==================================================================== WILSON, J. H., W. W. & R. B. - b: 1854 VA source: 1883 History of Henry Missouri , National Historical Co. - page: 625 residence: Deepwater Twp Wilson Brothers, farmers and stock dealers, section 9, are the sons of James R. and Susan (Everett) Wilson. The former was a native of Ohio, but moved to Virginia with his parents, where he grew to manhood. Their mother was a Virginian by birth. Mr. Wilson came from Virginia to Missouri in 1840, and bought land and settled in Henry County, on the farm where the family now reside. J. H. Wilson, the oldest of the brothers was born in Virginia, October 30, 1880?. W. W. was born in Henry County, on the home place, December 26, 1857, and R. B. Wilson was born on the same farm, April 9, 1854. They are among the largest land owners and stock feeders of Deepwater Township, having in the home place 640 acres, most of which is in a fine state of cultivation and pasture land; 320 acres are in Bear Creek Township on the county line, and adjoining this in St. Clair County, they have ninety-eight acres, and in section 36, in Deepwater, are 160 acres of improved land, making in all over 1,200 acres. A large residence is on the home place, together with a good barn and a fine young bearing orchard. The past season, 350 acres were planted to corn, which made an average of thirty- five bushels per acre. They are among the most extensive stock feeders and dealers in the county, and handle from 200 to 500 head of cattle, and about the same number of hogs annually. J. H. Wilson was married in St. Clair County, November 8, 1866, to Miss Susan Bruce, who was reared and educated in St. Clair County, and a daughter of Simeon Bruce. There are five children by this marriage: Bruce, Katie, James, Susie and Walter. W. W. and R. B. Wilson were educated in the public schools of the county, supplemented with about one year's attendance at the State Normal at Warrensburg. J. H. Wilson and wife are members of the M. E. Church, South. ==================================================================== WILSON, James Ramsey source: 1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co - page: 464 residence: Deepwater Twp James Ramsey Wilson. The basis of all true history is biography. History is but the narrative of the accomplishments of a body of people as a whole; the individual is the doer and it is necessary in the presentation of a true history of Henry County, to present the salient facts in the lives of the men who have made possible the upbuilding of this important section of Missouri. James Ramsey Wilson, late of Deepwater township, was a pioneer of this county who contributed more than the ordinary man to the settlement and development of Henry County. His sons and daughters today occupy important places in the State, and are among the leaders of the communities where they reside and have resided. James Ramsey Wilson was born in Maysville, Kentucky, in January, 1803, and died in Henry County, Missouri, in June, 1897. He was the son of James Wilson, who was born in the North of Ireland, and was a son of James Wilson, of Scotland, who moved from his native land to Ireland and there settled upon a large estate, which was named Bull Valley Castle. He had several children, among them being James Wilson, father of the subject of this review. James Wilson received a good education and during his twentieth year, he immigrated to America. The occasion of his leaving the old home in Ireland was owing to his disgust with the methods of dispensing justice in practice in the courts of his native country. One particular flagrant piece of injustice which he witnessed so incensed him that upon going home, he informed his father that he was not desirous of living in a country with injustice so rampant, and that he intended crossing the ocean to settle in America. His father gave his consent and supplied him with funds sufficient to last him for one year in the new country. Upon his arrival at New York, the captain of his ship recommended his services to a ship chandler or shipping merchant, as bookkeeper, the young man's skill as a penman having favorably impressed the ship captain. He immediately took up his duties and for many years was engaged in the mercantile business in various parts of the country, becoming successful, although his fortunes were variable. There were times when he was possessed of considerable capital, and others when he was forced to start with little or no capital. One instance, the loss of a cargo of cotton valued at $40,000 and which cost him but $10,000, serves as an illustration of the varying fortunes of his career. This happened in New Orleans and it was not long until he had paid back every dollar of his losses. He became a merchant at Maysville, Kentucky, and was there married to Elizabeth Bailey, the daughter of Col. Samuel Bailey, who had come to Kentucky from Virginia and purchased a large tract, of land in the vicinity from Simon Kenton. About 1812, Colonel Bailey settled near the mouth of the Ohio River and with his wife and children stayed at the hotel kept by Captain Dennis in Paducah. They moved to their new location aboard a Government steamboat confiscated from Aaron Burr at the time his ill fated plans for founding a great empire in the Southwest came to naught. Col. Samuel Bailey was killed by Indians a few miles above Bailey's Station, a frontier settlement which he had established on his land. He was attacked by a band of the savages and fought to the death. The Indians took his body and placed it in a new cabin near the scene of the crime. Later, Light Horse Harry Lee led a party to recover the body and give it proper burial near the site where he met his death opposite Rush Creek Island on the Kentucky shore of the Ohio River. James Wilson did not remain long in Kentucky. Indians becoming numerous and on the warpath and the War of 1812 raging at the time, making it unsafe for settlers in the new country, he took his wife and children and went on horseback to country of the Kanawha River in what is now West Virginia. Here he engaged in the manufacture of salt in partnership with a Frenchman named Savaryn and made a permanent home in West Virginia. James Ramsey Wilson was married in West Virginia to Susan Everett, born in Guyandotte County, Virginia, in 1811 and died in Henry County, Missouri, in 1875. She was a daughter of Col. John Everett of Guyandotte, Virginia, who married Miss Sallie Woodson of Charlottesville, Virginia. Col. John Everett was an officer of Virginia militia and was the son of John Everett, a soldier of the Revolution who was noted for the depths of his patriotism. It is said of him that he refused a large grant of Government land as payment for his services in behalf of American Independence with these words: "I did not fight for land; I fought for liberty." The wife of John Everett was Miss Sallie Deadman, a daughter of Captain Deadman, who also fought in the Revolutionary War on the American side. Mrs. Sallie (Woodson) Everett was the daughter of Tralton or Tarlton Woodson who married a Miss Shepherd. James Ramsey Wilson left Cabell County, West Virginia, in 1840 and came to Henry County, selecting a tract of land in the southeastern part of Bear Creek township near the Teays settlement. Be removed his family to the site of his new home in 1841 and for four years made his home in Marshall Creek. In 1845 he settled permanently in Deepwater township, erecting some time later one of the finest and largest houses in the county, modeled after an old Virginia home. This home is still standing and is the place of residence of Miss Bettie Wilson, a daughter. The estate which he built up has been operated by his sons as a corporation under the name of J. H. Wilson and Brothers and has prospered during all these years. To James Ramsey and Susan (Everett) Wilson were born the following children: Joseph H. Wilson, a widely-known farmer of Deepwater township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Mrs. Mary E. Houx, Warrensburg, Missouri, widow of Rev. J. H. Houx, late of Warrensburg, and who was a noted pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal faith; John M. Wilson, deceased; Capt. Edwin Wilson, deceased; Susan Elizabeth, or Bettie Wilson, residing on the Wilson Home Place; William W. Wilson; and Richard B. Wilson, postmaster of Montrose, Missouri, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Edwin Wilson left home when in his eighteenth year and enlisted in the Southern Army as a member of Parsons' Brigade. Although small for his age he never shirked duty and was always found in the thickest of the battles and struggles in which his command was engaged. He became a valuable assistant to the field surgeons and was advised, on account of his skill in handling wounded men, to become a surgeon. After the surrender of Parsons' Brigade in Louisiana, he went to Texas and was first employed in sampling cotton. Opportunities for advancement came rapidly his way and he became a large land owner and cotton planter on his own account. He also became interested in banking and was vice- president of the American National Bank of Austin, Texas, at the time of his death. He was a leader in the commercial and civic life of his adopted State and associated with the leading figures of Texas. He had large interests in Texas and New Mexico. His death occurred at Austin, Texas, June 10, 1912, at the age of 68 years. He married Lulu Bailey Wilson, who bore him two children: Mrs. John Harris, Dallas, Texas; and Mrs. Welburn Hudson, of Austin, Texas. John M. Wilson went West when seventeen years of age and became a gold and silver miner. His life story reads like a romance were it possible to record his travels and adventures among the mining camps of the Rockies, the Pacific Slope, Mexico, and the Andes of South America. For many years he was engaged in various mining enterprises in these sections and became wealthy. The various vicissitudes and fortunes of the gold miner were his. During his career he was associated with widely known mining men of the United States. He died at El Paso, Texas, February 4, 1914, aged seventy-seven years. His whole career was characterized by honorable and upright dealings, attributes which have been the heritage of the members of the Wilson family for generations. He was married in early life to Miss Marion W. Wright of Washington, D. C., and to this marriage were born three children: James Robert, living in New Mexico; Isabella Everett, wife of Nathan Foster, Fayetteville, Arkansas, a veteran of the Spanish-American War; Mrs. Anna Caldwell, whose husband is a mining man of New Mexico. William W. Wilson was born December 26, 1851, in Deepwater township, and is the jolly bachelor brother of the family. He has always been engaged in farming and makes his home with his brother, Richard B. Wilson. James Ramsey Wilson and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and so lived their lives that a lasting and deep impression will be forever engraved in the annals of the county which they helped to create from an unbroken wilderness. ==================================================================== WILSON, John - b: 1806 Greene Co, TN source: 1883 History of Henry Missouri , National Historical Co. - page: 658 residence: Tebo Twp John Wilson, farmer and stock raiser, was born June 18, 1806, in Greene County, Tennessee, acquiring his only education in the common schools of that locality. His father, Thomas Wilson, was an extensive farmer and stock raiser and a carpenter by trade. He was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, December 6, 1771. His mother, formerly Margaret Sherrell, was born May 14, 1774, in North Carolina. They were married October 8, 1794, and had nine children, six daughters and three sons, of whom there are but four living, three daughters and one son. They emigrated from Tennessee to Lafayette County, Missouri, in 1830, settling near Lexington, where they remained for five years, then going to Tebo Township of the same county, now Henry. Mr. Wilson entered eighty acres of land and commenced farming, which he continued until his death, May 22, 1836. Mrs. W. survived him but eighteen months, departing this life in October of 1839. The subject of this sketch was the only administrator of the estate and bought the farm in 1839, of which he held possession until 1866, when he sold it, being settled upon land he had purchased in the years of 1839, 1840, 1842 and 1843, consisting of 700 acres, lying north of the old place. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Susan Jennings, of Lafayette County, and to them were born eight children, four sons and four daughters. The eldest, William T., born December 28, 1833, married Mrs. Eleanor, widow of Samuel Reynolds and daughter of William M. Fewell, of Henry County, March 17, 1867. Thomas J. was born April 19, 1835, and married Miss Mary E. Gilliland, of Bates County, in March of 1860. Harriette Ann was born August 22, 1838, and married Thomas J. Jennings, of Livingston County, Missouri, November 14, 1882. John W. was born December 5, 1847, and married Miss Nancy Woolfolk, of Henry County, Missouri January 22, 1871. Lon was born October 16, 1843. Mary E., born October 4, 1848, married T. J. Bosley, of Bates County, February 18, 1879. Martha Jennie was born July 4, 1854. Charles E. was born November 9, 1857. Mrs. W. died May 28, 1872. Mr. Wilson has resided upon his present farm ever since 1833, except for two years, when in California. In 1850 he took the overland route and went to California, making a stay there of two years, with a result of success. He returned via New York in 1852, and then engaged in farming and in the general raising of stock. He was given a lieutenant's commission in 1832 by Governor Boggs. He erected his present residence in 1849. He belongs to Lodge No. 29, A. F. & A. M., his membership dating from 1863. He has for nearly fifty years been identified with the M. E. Church South. of which his wife was also a member for many years. Five of his children also hold that relationship. Democratic in his views, he cast his first vote for Jackson in 1832 with nineteen other Democrats, two men voting for John Q. Adams at that election, making a vote of twenty-two in the county of Lafayette. His sons now conduct the farm. They are capable men and excellent managers of the place. ==================================================================== WILSON, Joseph H. - b: 1840 Cabell Co, WV source: 1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co - page: 352 residence: Deepwater Twp Joseph H. Wilson. Among the noted personages of Henry County who have figured prominently in the development of this county since the pioneer days none has had a more varied nor more honorable and useful career than Joseph H. Wilson, the "Sage" of Deepwater township, who has lived in Henry County since his parents brought him to this county an infant in arms. Well educated, intelligent, progressive and endowed with a keen and discerning intellect, his long life has been filled with deeds well done, not only in enhancement of his own personal interests, but he has accomplished much in behalf of Henry County and his fellow citizens. Reared in the southland, and of decided southern sympathies, he was among the first to take up arms in behalf of what he deemed to be a just and righteous cause. Deeply religious, he has devoted many years of his life to the furtherance of the cause of Christianity and especially delighted in the training of the young in the paths of right living and in giving them a knowledge of the Scriptures. So remarkable is Mr. Wilson's memory and so constant is his reading and study that for many years he was the final authority in settling disputes and questions of boundary lines between farms in his section of the county. Joseph H. Wilson, pioneer, Deepwater township, was born in Cabelle County, West Virginia, October 31, 1840, and is the son of James Ramsey (born January, 1803, died June, 1897) and Susan (Everett) Wilson (born 1811, died 1875). James Ramsey Wilson was born in Maysville, Kentucky, and was the son of James Wilson, who was born in Ireland. James Wilson of Maysville, Kentucky, married a Miss Bailey, who was a daughter of Col. Samuel Bailey, a Revolutionary soldier who was killed by the Indians during an attack made upon the settlement by the savages in the early history of Kentucky. James Wilson and his family were among the first pioneer settlers in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and it is a matter of history that James Wilson made the first salt at the Kanawha Salt Works, located above the city of Charleston, in partnership with John Savaryn, a Frenchman. As previously stated the Wilsons came to Henry County from Kanawha County in March, 1841, and established a permanent home in this county. The first settlement of the Wilson family was made near the Teays settlement on Marshall Creek in March, 1841. In 1845 they settled permanently in Deepwater township. James R. and Susan Wilson reared a splendid family of sons and daughters: John M., went west when seventeen and had mines in the West, Mexico and South America, died in 1914, aged seventy-seven years, at El Paso, Texas; Mrs. Mary E. Houx, widow of the late Rev. J. H. Houx, Warrensburg, Missouri; Joseph H., subject of this review; Capt. Edwin, born 1842, died June 10, 1910, at Austin, Texas; Susan Elizabeth, living on the old home place; William W., makes his home with Richard B. Wilson, and Richard B., postmaster of Montrose. The first company of Confederate soldiers enlisted in Henry County in May, 1861, found Joseph H. Wilson enrolled as a member. In the spring of 1862 he was invalided at Lexington, Missouri, ill with typhoid fever and received his discharge from the service in the fall of 1862. He enlisted in the service the second time at Springfield December 25, 1862. Three of his company came home to get horses but storms prevented their accomplishing the task and the effort to capture Springfield failed and General Price's army fell back to Arkansas. Mr. Wilson disguised himself and went to St. Louis, thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there made his way through Cabelle County, West Virginia, to Red Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, Virginia. He was imbued with the idea of getting into the thick of the fight and believed that he could only do so by joining a Virginia regiment. He offered his services to General Williams, brigade commander, and Col. Patton, of the 22nd Virginia Infantry, and was sworn into the Confederate service for a third time. His command marched from Monroe County to the Kanawha River Valley and took possession of the valley, fighting the battles of Fayette Court House and Cotton Hill. He was forced to march without a gun for some time but managed to secure a weapon and took part in this fight. Mr. Wilson served until the close of the war but was made prisoner near Boone Court House on the Guyandotte River April 9, 1864. He was paroled and sent back from Camp Chase to Baltimore. From there he went down the bay and up the James River, arriving at Richmond, Virginia, March 9, 1865, just before the surrender of General Lee's army at Appamattox Court House. Mr. Wilson participated in the battles of Carthage, Missouri, Wilson's Creek, Drywood and Lexington. After his return from the battlefields of the South, Joseph H. Wilson, in November, 1868, settled on a farm on Round Prairie, Bates County, Missouri, where he resided until the spring of 1876, when he came again to Henry County and settled upon the old home place of the family in Deepwater township. In 1888 he removed to Appleton City, Missouri, and in the spring of 1889 moved to his present place near Montrose. This farm consisting of one hundred twenty acres is one of the most picturesque and attractive places in Henry County. A handsome brick residence surrounded by beautiful shade trees and shrubbery occupies a commanding site at the top of a gently rising knoll or hill which affords a view of the surrounding country for many miles, a view which is unsurpassed for magnificence and beauty of the landscape in this section of Missouri. A beautiful pastoral scene unfolds to the view as one gazes in any direction. This section which is now dotted with handsome farm homes and waving fields of grain and is unsurpassed in its richness of soil anywhere in the state of Missouri was once a virgin wilderness and Joseph H. Wilson himself has hunted deer and other wild animals and fished in the streams nearby at a period when settlers were few and far between. Geese and ducks were plentiful and it was no trouble for him to bag a dozen or so with ease in a short time. He often visited the Indian camps on the Deepwater during his boyhood days and the height of his aspirations when a boy was to have a gun and a dog. His next ambition as he grew older was to have a nice home with every comfort and even luxuries and to own a big orchard with trees hanging loaded with big red apples. He has owned several guns and dogs, and has the beautiful home and has hunted and fished to his heart's content, and is truly thankful for all the blessings which Providence has showered upon him. In 1876 he organized the firm of J. H. Wilson and Brothers and during all these years he has managed the Wilson estate, which has been kept intact and farmed for the benefit and to the great profit of every member of the Wilson family, although each has his individual holdings aside from the estate. Mr. Wilson is owner of four hundred acres of land in his own right. This business of Wilson Brothers has been so managed for over forty years that he has never had a lawsuit and has never sued nor has he been sued. On November 8, 1866, the marriage of Joseph H. Wilson and Miss Susan Cassandra Bruce, a daughter of Simeon C. and Zerilda Catherine (Browning) Bruce of St. Clair County was consummated. Simeon C. Bruce was a native of Tennessee, a son of Robert Bruce of Sumner County, Tennessee. Mrs. Zerilda (Browning) Bruce was the daughter of Dr. Jacob Browning, a native of Tennessee and a Henry County pioneer, after whom Brownington was named. Mrs. Wilson was born November 4, 1844 and has born him twelve children, seven of whom are living: Bruce McFarlan Wilson, farmer and stockman, Montrose, Missouri, married Maud Colson; Kate, wife of D. W. Stewart, Kansas City, Missouri; James Ennels, operates the home farm; Susan R., wife of William T. Lampkin, Fayette, Idaho; Walter B., at home with his parents; Henry Everett, St. Louis, Missouri, a stockman and salesman ; Anna, wife of Benjamin P. Lampkin, Deepwater township, Bates County, Missouri. Since attaining his majority Mr. Wilson has been a stanch Democrat. He is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge No. 408, Montrose, Missouri, and has been a Mason since 1878. He is a member of Chapter No. 90, George Frank Guley, Appleton City, Missouri. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Montrose and was steward of his church from 1870 to 1910. He was superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-six years and is conceded to be the best authority upon family genealogy as concerns those families living in his section of the county. He was first made a steward of the church at Round Prairie in Bates County and when he removed to Henry County the same office was given him by the Montrose church. When he retired from the Sunday school superintendency by reason of advancing age the members of the Sunday school gave him a beautiful embossed Bible as a testimonial of their love and high esteem, in token of his twenty-six years of faithful and unremitting service in behalf of the young folks of the church. Mr. Wilson has lived an honest, honorable and just life according to the precepts of the greatest Teacher of all, and although during his long business career he has seen men take advantage of their fellows he has never succumbed to similar temptations and has treated his fellow men in a just and upright way. He likes to do right because it is right and because he has loved to deal justly and honorably with others. His seventy-seven years have been well and profitably spent and now in the eventide of his life he is able to look back over the years that have passed and calmly await the last great summons with a heart and mind at peace with all mankind. Mr. Wilson attributes much of his success in life to the faithful and loving counsel and assistance of his wife, whom he has invariably consulted regarding his business transactions. Although he has passed the age when men are active in civic affairs, this aged gentleman still takes a keen interest in movements of the day and is a constant reader who keeps abreast of the times and is well informed on many subjects. He was a member of the "One Hundred Booster Club," which put across the Third Liberty Loan in Henry County, and made the big drive to obtain the quota of this county in bond subscriptions an overwhelming success. ==================================================================== WILSON, Richard B. - b: 1854 Deepwater Twp, Henry Co, MO source: 1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co - page: 448 residence: Deepwater Twp Richard B. Wilson. The Wilson family is one of the oldest and one of the most honored families in Henry County and dates their beginning with the history of Henry County as early as 1841. The striking characteristics of this family as a whole is the spirit of co-operation which has manifested itself during all these years among the various members of the family and which has brought prosperity in no small degree to the members of the family. Richard B. Wilson, better known as "Dick" Wilson, postmaster of Montrose, is a worthy descendant of excellent ancestry who has made a success of his life's work. R. B. Wilson was born in Deepwater township April 9, 1854, and is the son of James R. and Susan (Everett) Wilson, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. James R. Wilson was born November 26, 1803, and died June 7, 1898. He was a son of James Wilson, a native of North Ireland who was of Scotch descent. He was one of the early pioneers of the state of Kentucky. James R. Wilson came to Henry County, Missouri, in 1841 and first settled in Bear Creek township, later entering free Government land in Deepwater township. To his first tract he added a considerable acreage which he purchased from the Government, improved his farm and resided thereon until his death. Susan (Everett) Wilson, his wife, was a daughter of John Everett, a native of Virginia. John Everett was a soldier of the Revolution and belonged to a prominent Virginia family James R. and Susan Wilson reared a family of seven children: John M. Wilson, a miner in the West and in California and who died at El Paso, Texas; Mary Everett, widow of Rev. James H. Houx, former noted minister of Warrensburg, Missouri; Joseph H., of Deepwater township, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Edwin Wilson, removed to Texas after the close of the Civil War, and died in Austin; Susan Elizabeth, residing on the old home place of the Wilson family; William W., born December 26, 1851, Montrose, Missouri, residing with B. B. Wilson; Richard B., subject of this sketch. During the Civil War the Wilson home was a place of refuge for Bates County people who were forced to abandon their homes. During part of this period the Wilsons lived in Johnson County, returning to their home after peace was declared. Mr. Wilson received such education as was afforded by the district and private schools of his day and took up the life of a farmer. He is owner of a splendidly improved farm of 160 acres in Deepwater township and also owns another farm of 120 acres in Bear Creek township. He resided on his farm until 1913, at which time he came to Montrose, although his family are still living. upon the home place, Mr. Wilson's position as postmaster requiring that he live in Montrose. December 22, 1892, Richard B. Wilson and Marion Vickers were united in marriage. Mrs. Marion Wilson was born in Bear Creek township, a daughter of William H. Vickers, a pioneer of Henry County and whose people were old neighbors of the Wilsons in Virginia. To this marriage were born three children: Edwin Vickers Wilson, who is tilling the home farm. in Deepwater township; Katherine Frances and James Ramsey, at home. The Democratic party has always had the steadfast allegiance of Mr. Wilson. He received the appointment of postmaster at Montrose in 1913 and assumed the duties of his position in July, 1913. Mr. Wilson's conduct of the affairs of the office have been such as to commend him to the many patrons of the office. He is a member of the Methodist Church South, and is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World Lodge of Montrose ==================================================================== WILSON, William source: 1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co - page: 420 residence: Deepwater Twp William Wilson. The ranks of the Old Guard are fast thinning. It is only here and there can be found one of the sturdy veterans of either side of the great civil conflict which convulsed the Nation from 1861 to 1865. The wounds of that great struggle have long since healed and it is a matter of history that the fighting men of both armies never at any time had any great personal animosity towards one another. The feeling which existed between the North and the South for so many years was kept alive by politicians of both sides of the imaginary line which divided the two sections. In these trying days when the grandsons of these old veterans are far across the Atlantic giving up their life's blood that the principles for which their ancestors fought and died might be kept alive on this earth forever, the ties which bind the people of this great Nation together are stronger than ever before. William Wilson, or "Major" Wilson as he is affectionately called in Montrose, Missouri, is one of the last survivors of the old guard which fought in defense of the Union. William Wilson was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1840 and is the son of John A. and Agnes (Curry) Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania, and Licking County, Ohio, respectively. His mother was of Scotch descent. John A. Wilson was born in 1815 and died in 1880. Mrs. Agnes Wilson was born in 1817 and died in 1886. They came to Henry County in 1867 and settled upon a farm located three and a half miles northeast of Montrose. John A. and Agnes Wilson were parents of ten children: William, subject of this sketch; Stewart, Omer C., John W., Mary E., Eoline and Clara, deceased; Thomas, resides at Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Monroe lives at Cincinnati, Ohio; James resides in Montana. In 1861 William Wilson enlisted in Company A, 76th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for nearly four years with his command, being honorably discharged from the service on July 15, 1865. He served with the 15th Army Corps under Generals John A. Logan and Sherman. He participated in the great battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and was in the campaign through Georgia, marched from Atlanta to the sea with General Sherman's Army, and thence through the Carolinas to Richmond, after the surrender of General Lee. He marched in the Grand Review of the victorious Union troops through the streets of Washington and then returned home. He accompanied his parents to Henry County and engaged in farming in this county until 1885, when he located in Montrose and engaged in the retail meat and butchering business. He followed this for several years and was also employed in a local grocery store for some time. Of late years Mr. Wilson has been living in peaceful and well earned retirement. William Wilson has been twice married. His first marriage occurred in 1868 with Eliza E. Stubblefield, who died in 1890. His second marriage took place in 1893 with Miss Emma Tuttle. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics and has served four years as city assessor of Montrose. He also filled the post of city collector of taxes. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated fraternally with the Grand Army of the Republic Post at Appleton City, Missouri. ==================================================================== WILSON, William M. source: 1919 History of Henry Co MO, Uel W. Lamkin, Historical Publishing Co - page: 379 residence: Davis Twp Judge William M. Wilson has been a resident of Henry County for over fifty years and is one of the best known horsemen in the western part of Missouri. While Judge Wilson's vocation has been that of farmer and stockman, his hobby has been that of a horseman. For many years Judge Wilson has been training fast horses and has been a breeder of track animals. He is the present owner of "El Casco," trial 2:15, a five year old. He has some very fine road horses in his stables, among them being "Hummingbird," a blue ribbon winner who has won ribbons and prizes at the various fine stock shows and fairs held in this section of the State. "El Casco" was bred at the Walnut Hall Farm, Donnerail, near Lexington, Kentucky, and is a beautiful and intelligent animal. Mr. Wilson was born on a farm in Tennessee and is the son of Samuel and Martha (Weaver) Wilson, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Martha Weaver Wilson was a daughter of Benjamin Weaver, a soldier of the War of 1812. In 1854 the parents of William M. Wilson removed to Iowa and after a residence there of a few months they came westward and located in Macon County, Missouri. In 1865 Samuel Wilson came to Henry County and settled in Walker township, where he became a large land owner and was widely known throughout the county as a successful farmer and stockman. He died in 1886 at the age of sixty-nine years. His father was Samuel Wilson, a native of Tennessee who was descended from ancestors who came to America from the North Ireland country. Samuel and Martha Wilson were parents of ten children, seven of whom were reared to maturity: Gerald, deceased; Benjamin, Marceline, Missouri; Philander, deceased; Mrs. Cordelia Hibler, Walker township; Mrs. Sarah Ann Short, Barton County, Missouri; William M., subject or this review; John M., a farmer of Walker township. The mother of these children was born in 1818 and departed this life in 1885. William M. Wilson was reared to manhood in Henry County and has resided on his farm in Davis township for the past forty years. He is owner of 235 acres of good land in this township. William M. Wilson and Janie Smith, a daughter of the late J. P. Smith of Henry County, were united in marriage in 1872. They have had four children: Mrs. Willie Young, living in Walker township; Mrs. Lulu Warner, Davis township; Samuel and Benjamin, who are tilling the home place. The Democratic party has always had the support and allegiance of Judge Wilson. He has served two terms as a member of the County Court for the second district of Henry County. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is highly esteemed by all who know him. ==================================================================== WILSON, William T. - b: 1833 Lexington, Lafayette Co, MO source: 1883 History of Henry Missouri , National Historical Co. - page: 659 residence: Tebo Twp William T. Wilson, owner of "Woodlawn Farm," an excellent tract of 992 acres, located in the northwest portion of Tebo Township, about nine miles from Calhoun, was born December 28, 1833, in Lexington, Lafayette County, Missouri. His education was acquired in the common schools of that day. his father, John Wilson, was born June 18, 1806, in Greene County, Tennessee, and married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Susan Jennings, of Lafayette County, Missouri. By this union there were four sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. The subject of this sketch commenced for himself in life at the age of twenty one years. He married Mrs. Ella A. widow of Samuel M. Reynolds, and daughter of William and Elizabeth D. Fewell, of Henry County, Missouri, March 17, 1867. By her former union Mrs. W. had three children, and all are living. The eldest, William F., was born July 28, 1854, and married Miss Sallie B. Robinson, daughter of Colonel Jehu Robinson, of Johnson County, Missouri, October 15, 1878. Samuel M. was born September 11, 1859, and is now a merchant of Shawnee Mound. Anna L., was born September 22, 1861 By the last marriage there were three sons: Claude, born February 7, 1869, died July 28th of the same year; Arthur, born September 1, 1870, died February 18, 1872; Oliver H., born August 26, 1874, died March 27, 1876. In 1868 Mr. Wilson began improvements upon a farm in Tebo Township, consisting of 440 acres, to which, in 1I882, he added 452 acres, making 992 acres of magnificent land, and well watered with living springs. He raises not less than 15,000 or 20,000 bushels of corn, and is endeavoring to make wheat growing a success. He has a fine herd of short-horns, and is a man who thoroughly understands his business. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank, of Clinton, and has resided in the county for half a century or more, and has been successful through all these years. He feeds from two to four or five car loads of cattle annually, and also makes the raising and handling of hogs a prominent thing. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. order, belonging to lodge No. 274. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. W. is identified with the Sardis-Bethlehem Church. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. 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