Umatilla County OR Archives Biographies.....Wilson, Oscar F. May 21, 1834 - 
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Carlene Still crstill@oregontrail.net July 31, 2006, 4:11 pm

Author: Colonel William Parsons 

Page 350

OSCAR F. WILSON
	It is with unfeigned pleasure that we accord to the worthy veteran, 
substantial citizen and esteemed pioneer whose name initiates this paragraph a 
representation in this volume. A man who interposed his life to retrieve our 
flag from insult, who shouldered the ax and blazed a way for civilization in 
these wilds, and whose life of loyalty and sterling integrity and industry 
since has exemplified the virtues of a typical citizen, is worthy to be placed 
in remembrance and given a position high on the roll of honor.
	Mr. Wilson was born in Beardstown, Illinois, on May 21, 1834, and 
removed by his parents to Iowa when four years old. In that state he was 
educated and reared, and on August 12, 1862, offered himself in defense of the 
flag and Union, enlisting in Company K, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. 
He served a little more than three years in continuous participation in 
battles, skirmishes and camp duties. Among the many battles in which he took 
part may be mentioned Helena, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jenkins Ferry, Moble, 
besides numerous skirmishes. When the work was done and not till then he laid 
down his arms and returned to the quieter duties of agriculture and stock 
raising at his old home place in Iowa. In 1867 he joined the westward movement 
and threaded the plains with the ox-trains, settling in this county about four 
miles from where Milton now stands. Here he devoted his attention to farming 
and stock raising until 1876, when he removed to Walla Walla and acted in the 
capacity of jailor for ten years. At the close of this period he bought land 
about one and one-half miles north from Milton, where he now lives, and gave 
his attention to the cultivation of fruit. He has since gained an enviable 
reputation as an orchardist, having now twenty acres in fruit and all bearing 
nicely, his specialty being apples. He has devoted considerable time to the 
raising of Belgian hares, in which also he has made a fine success. 
	Our subject was married to Miss J. M. Williams on September 24, 1854. 
To them have been born three children: John B., Lew A. and Victor. They are 
married and living in Walla Walla, the first two being surveyors, each having 
been county and city surveyor of Walla Walla county, and Victor is 
stenographer for Judge Brent. Mr. Wilson affiliates with the Masonic 
fraternity in Milton, and is highly respected and esteemed by all who have the 
pleasure of his acquaintance.


Additional Comments:
 An Illustrated History of Umatilla County by Colonel William Parsons and of 
Morrow County by W. S. Shiach with a brief outline of the early history of the 
State of Oregon.  W. H. Lever, Publisher  1902.

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