Wilson, Edward bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 622 & 625; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Edward Wilson is among the earliest native-born citizens of this county, who are still living within its limits. He grew with its growth, and since attaining manhood has been no unimportant factor in the great work that has resulted in making this one of the richest farming countries on the globe. Bernadotte Township, the place of his birth, is still his home, and his beautiful farm on section 24, compares favorably in point of cultivation and improvement with the best in this locality. The father of our subject was born in Ireland and him mother in Philadelphia, Pa. They were among the earliest settlers of this county, and here he was born April 5, 1833. He remained with his parents until he was twenty years old, receiving his education in the district schools in Bernadotte Township. At the age mentioned he started out in the world and made a trip across the plains with an ox-team, going through Salt Lake City, from there to American Valley, when he made his way to San Francisco, and so on to San Jose Valley. He returned to this part of the country by water, going by steamer to the Isthmus of Panama, and thence by another steamer to New Orleans, where he spent a few days and then proceeded up the Mississippi to St. Louis, Mo., and from there to Liverpool, this sate, and to Lewistown, arriving at his old home in the month of April, 1854, without an accident.
Shortly after his return, Mr. Wilson was wedded to Margaret, a daughter of T. J. and Susan Walters, of Bernadotte Township, their marriage having been solemnized May 18, 1854. They have resided in Bernadotte Township ever since, and nine children have been born to them, namely: Harriet, born March 19, 1855, married William Slock and died in the month of August, 1888, leaving one child, whom her parents are bringing up; Annie E., born April 11, 1856, married John Becker, and they reside on a part of our subject’s farm and have six children, four girls and two boys; John W., born December 28, 1858, lives on a farm in Bernadotte Township, where he and his wife Savannah, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth Couse, are rearing a family of five children, four daughters and one son; Samuel L., who lives in Elgin, Union County, Ore., born December 29, 1860, married Mattie, daughter of M. C. Maxwell, and they have one boy; Mary E., born November 27, 1861, died January 22, 1884; Emma J., born October 27, 1863, married Frank Howerter, a farmer, and they have three boys and one girl; George E., born August 5, 1866, died October 23, 1867; Ida R., born January 27, 1860, died April 7, 1887; Melvin, born January 19, 1874, lives at home with his parents.
Our subject is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land and carries on a good business as a general farmer. He is a sturdy Democrat in politics, and has borne an honorable part in the civic life of his county. He held the office of Trustee in the years 1887 – 88 – 89, and has been School Director for about twelve years. He has held the position of Road Commissioner and has been Pathmaster for six years. In him the Christian Church finds one of its most consistent and generous members, he belonging to the church of that denomination in Cuba and contributing liberally to its support. He is well known, and the incorruptible integrity of his character and his many fine qualities of head and heart have placed him high in the regard of his fellow-citizens.