Robert R. Willson has done business as a general merchant in Hanover for many years. He carries a stock of about §8,000, and is established in a well-regulated store-building, 45 x 48 feet in dimensions; the lower part of which is used as a salesroom and the upper part for storage, and dwelling. The building was erected in 1844. His methods of doing business have been such as long ago established him in the esteem and confidence of the people around him, and he therefore enjoys an extensive and profitable trade. Our subject is a native of the Dominion, having been born near Old Fort George, Province of Ontario, Aug. 12, 1842. His early home lay in the vicinity of the old town of Niagara. His parents were James and Jeannette (Elliott) Willson; the father was born in Niagara, Ontario, of Irish parentage, and the mother born in Albany, N. Y, and of Scotch descent. They sojourned in Canada until 1861, then came to this county. Robert R. began his business career as a clerk in the store of his brother at the age of fifteen years. "What education he had was obtained in the common school. Since that time he has been continuously engaged in mercantile pursuits. He remained with his brother until October, 1864, and then, the Civil War being in progress, enlisted in Company A, 96th Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, first under Gen. Thomas. Later they were sent to Texas with Gen. Stanley. Mr. Willson fought in the siege and battle of Nashville, and participated in various minor engagement, skirmishing on the march after the rebel Gen. Hood in Alabama. He received his honorable discharge October 16, 1865. In January following, having returned to this county he associated himself with a partner, August Chase, and they established themselves in Hanover under the firm name of R. R. Willson & Co. The partnership existed three years and four months, when our subject sold his interest to Mr. Chase. In September, 1872. he bought out the firm of Craig, Matheson & Blake, of Hanover. In 1874 he established himself in his present quarters and carries a stock of general merchandise, including nearly everything to be mentioned in the dry-goods and house- furnishing lines. In proportion as the village has grown, so has his business, the latter the result of close attention and good management.

Mr. Willson was married Dec. 26, 1866, to Miss Caroline E. Weir, and they have five children — Sarah, Frederick J., Jessie M., Gussie, and Percy W. Mr. Willson, politically, is a sound Republican, and in religious matters a member of the Presbyterian Church. He has long been recognized as one of the leading men of the community, closely identified with its best interests and ever ready to contribute by his means and influence to its prosperity.

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889) Pg 649