INDEX TO
BIOGRAPHIES
WILLIAM W. WILSON
| William w. Wilson, since August, 1858, an energetic citizen and enterprising general agriculturist of Mound City Township, Linn County, Kan., was born in Jay County, Ind., August 27, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Sabina (Grisell) Wilson, were long-time residents of Indiana, and there enjoyed the high esteem of many friends. By his marriage Joseph Wilson became the father of ten children, four of whom arrived at adult age. Hannah married D. F. Hoover and makes her home in Jay County, Ind.; Maria is the wife of E. M. Hyatt, a well known citizen of Mound City Township; and Joseph A. is a successful business man of St. Louis, Mo.
The father of our subject, with two of his children and a half-brother, T. F., came to Kansas, and took up a claim in Mound City Township, where he passed his declining years and died December 13, 1866. A Republican and active in local affairs, he occupied with ability various offices of trust while a citizen of Indiana, efficiently performing the duties of County Treasurer and Postmaster. Our subject, reared and educated in Jay County, Ind., when about sixteen years of age removed with his parents to Iowa, locating in 1856 in Lee County. When they journeyed to Kansas two years later, Mr. Wilson, who then had not attained his majority, was legally given his time by his father. He pre-empted a claim in Mound City Township, which he afterward sold, homesteading the place where he now resides. Our subject is the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of land, finely cultivated and devoted to mixed farming. For some years he followed stock-raising almost exclusively, and handled large flocks and herds of graded cattle and hogs. A cyclone at one time wrought great destruction of property in this immediate neighborhood, and tore to pieces houses, barns and granaries. A large and commodious barn arose from the foundation of the old building, and the handsome and modern stone residence has since been repaired and is one of the most attractive homes in the township. In 1860 our subject was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Souder. Two children blessed the union: Joseph, who married Anna Krouse; and Sabina, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wilson, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 22, 1838, is the daughter of Michael and Margaret (Cannon) Souder, natives of the same county, widely known and highly respected. The paternal grandfather, Michael Souder, was of German parentage and settled in Columbiana County in 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Souder later removed from their native state to Knox County, Ill., and resided near Galesburgh. In 1859, journeying to Kansas, they settled for a time in Mound City Township, but after some years removed to Missouri, making their home in Pettis County, where Mr. Souder died January 4, 1888. the mother yet survives and enjoys comparatively good health. Mrs. Wilson was one of eight children. Amanda married John Armstrong and died in Linn County, Kan.; Mahala is the wife of Thomas Seran, a citizen of Pettis County, Mo.; Elizabeth was the third in order of birth; John died at the age of seventeen years; Frances M. resides in Saline County, Mo.; Armina married David Gelder and resides in Oklahoma; Mathew lives in Pettis County, Mo.; and Lindsey C. also lives in Pettis County, Mo. In 1888 our subject and his estimable wife experienced the pleasure of an extended absence in California, the home farm being rented. They spent a twelve month in Placerville, El Dorado County, and visited in Oregon for about three months. In 1892 Mrs. Wilson made a second trip to California, sojourning mostly in a valley near San Francisco. The inviting Wilson homestead is one of the most desirably located in Mound City Township, and is the abode of thrift and plenty. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are Congregationalists, and have ever been foremost in the extension and support of religious work and influence. Our subject for many years voted the straight Republican ticket, but of late has been independent in politics, and gives his hearty support to the best man for the place. In all matters of local interest and enterprise he has long been an important factor, and for nearly thirty-five changing years has been associated with the upward growth and rapid development of Linn County. (Portrait and Biographical Record of Southeastern Kansas, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, Chicago, Biographical Publishing Co. 1894, Pages 168 - 169, Submitted by Lisa Smalley) |