Wilson, John L.

WILSON, RUGH, ROBB, MILLER, COOK

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 2/17/2003 at 14:47:30

PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF CLINTON COUNTY, IOWA 1886 (CHAPMAN BROS.)  Containing full page portraits & biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county. (Also available on FHL film 1036331 Item 9)
JOHN L. WILSON is a general farmer and stock-raiser, whose home lies on section 36, in Elk River Township, Clinton County. He raises grain and stock, and is variously interested is numerous branches of agriculture, and, although young in years, his efforts are so well directed and so perseveringly continued that he bids fair to become, in time, one of the substantial men of this section. At present he is the owner of 360 acres in this township, which is finely cultivated and highly improved, and he also owns ninety acres in another part, the latter being all timber land of natural growth.
Mr. Wilson is the son of Matthew Wilson, a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., where he was reared and spent most of his early life. When quite a young man he learned the carpenter’s trade and became connected as carpenter in the service on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. On these rivers he remained for fourteen years, and during this time followed his trade for two years. He was mad First Mate, and was thus engaged until he closed his labors on the rivers. Leaving his situation he went again to his native county.

On the 21st of June, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Sybella Rugh. She was also born and reared in the same county, and after some few years of married life, during which time they lost, by death, their first child, and after the advent of the second, they removed West in 1855, and rented a farm adjoining the present Wilson homestead. Shortly afterward mr. Wilson made his first purchase of land, which was eighty acres and entirely new and uncultivated. On this the residence, which was a stone one, was erected by Mr. Wilson, Sr., in 1865. Subsequently he made this his permanent home, and his landed possessions in this township and county were left by him and are now owned by the son. He was the possessor of 520 acres in Story County, Iowa, which he deeded to his only daughter, the other remaining child. Her name is Anna M. Robb, wife of James Robb, and their home is at present in Story County, where they are successful in a marked degree in agriculture and the raising of stock. At the last branch of industry Mr. Robb has been engaged some length of time, and the results of his efforts are highly satisfactory to himself and his patrons. His farm has increased in size till it now comprises 900 acres, all situated in the county where he resides.
The father of our subject died at his home in this township Aug. 27,1884. He was a highly respected citizen, and was a pioneer identified with the early growth of Clinton County. In him was lost a valued friend and one much esteemed for social and political ability. His services as rendered to his townsmen were widespread and cheerful. He was an unimpeachable Democrat and supported his party with stanch and unvarying earnestness. Mr. Wilson’s mother died May 17, 1882. She was an upright Christian woman, gentle and motherly in her character, and won many friends by the sweetness and beauty of her life. She was a member of the Lutheran Church and obeyed the principles of that religion, and at the last was in possession of the hope that is given to them that love God.
Their family consisted of four children, the youngest and oldest of whom died when quite young. Our subject was the youngest of the two living, and received his early education in the public schools of the township. He showed so marked a degree of application and interest in his studies that he was later allowed to enter Clinton Commercial Business College, from which he graduated in penmanship and book-keeping, Feb. 18, 1876, with high honors, receiving his diploma and the commendation of all concerned in his success. While at home he worked the farm with his father and showed a lively interest in all matters relative to the family good.
John L. Wilson was united in marriage Dec. 15, 1880, with Susie E., daughter of John b. and Rebecca (Miller) Cook, the latter a sister of William Miller (see sketch of W. C. Miller). This event was celebrated at the home of the bride, and a prospect of a clear and happy future opened before the newly wedded pair. Mrs. Wilson’s parents are both natives of Ohio, in which State they were married, and came West in 1848, settling immediately in Clinton County. They now reside on a farm in Hampshire Township, where Mrs. Wilson was born Sept. 25, 1860. She was educated in the district schools, is bright, intelligent and of frank and genial disposition. She is the mother of three children—Anna E., born Sept. 11, 1881; Charles M., Oct. 30, 1883, and an infant, Feb. 17, 1886.
Mr. Wilson is a helpful and earnest citizen, interested in the advancement of public affairs, and at the present time is Township Clerk. In politics he is a solid Democrat, and notes his party ticket with a firm belief in the correctness of its policy.