Biography - William Wilson
WILLIAM WILSON. Our subject is a young man of much promise, being intelligent, energetic and progressive. He resides in Harvel Township, Montgomery County, Ill., on section 9, and was born in Madison County, Ill., February 22, 1859, the son of William and Agnes (Anderson) Wilson, both natives of Scotland, who emigrated to America in 1848 or 1849. The father came with his family to Montgomery County in 1862, and settled upon the farm where our subject now resides, the whole country being then a wild prairie, and he a very early pioneer. He was a self-made man and the father of eight children, four of whom survive, viz.: James; Susan, the wife of Mark Worrell, and William and Peter, all of whom are living in Kingman County, Kan. The father died in December, 1864, his wife still surviving him at the age of sixty-four, making her home chiefly in Kingman County, Kan., with her children.
Our subject grew up to man's estate in this new country, seeing it gradually developed and improve until it has reached its present state of prosperity. His schooling was received in the home district, alternating attendance there with work upon the farm. He was married September 10, 1885, to Minnie, daughter of Hanka and R. Jelder, residents of Harvel Township. Three children have blessed this union, viz.: William, born July 7, 1886; Margaret, June 18, 1889; and Henry, September 12, 1891. Mr. Wilson is an ardent Republican, is interested in all matters looking to the advancement of his community, and is now serving his first term as Commissioner of Highways. His well-improved farm consists of two hundred acres. He is a prominent member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
Mr. Wilson owes his success in life mainly to his own unassisted efforts, being practically a self-made man. He is not easily discouraged, is accustomed to think before he acts, and makes very few mistakes, and, not being afraid of work, does not get impatient while waiting for results. Such a man exerts a good influence in his community by his example, and he has the best wishes of his neighbors and friends for his complete success in life.
Extracted 12 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 506-507.
