John Wilson

WILSON, RITCHIE, BELL, COUSIN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/12/2011 at 22:24:46

JOHN WILSON is numbered among the gentlemen of Scottish birth and parentage who make their home in the prosperous town of Fairfield, Grundy County, where he is generally conceded to be one of the substantial and enterprising farmers in the community. He came to America poor in this world’s goods, and by means of his natural ability and energy has accumulated a handsome property, being at this writing the owner of a farm comprising two hundred and eighty acres, which has been accumulated by earnest and unceasing labor on his part.

The birth of our subject occurred May 22, 1851, in Scotland, where also his parents, David and Elizabeth (Ritchie) Wilson, were born. His father, a farmer by occupation, is still living in Scotland. The mother died in her native land. The children included in the parental family beside our subject were David and Margaret. John, of this sketch, remained in Scotland until reaching his twentieth year, when he crossed the Atlantic and made his home for a time in Canada, where he worked out by the month on farms. Later he came to the States, and for a time worked in Illinois. In 1874 he came to Fairfield Township, Grundy County, where he continued to work out by the month.

Five years after becoming a resident of this county, John Wilson was united in marriage with Anna S., daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth (Bell) Cousin, natives of England. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Maud E., Bernice A., Beatrice A., J. Tracey and Leila M. The mother of these children was born in this state, and completed her education in the college at Dubuque. She is a most intelligent and cultured lady, and after completing her education, taught eighteen terms of school. Of the large family born to her parents, three died in infancy, and of those who grew to mature years Jabez, John and Mary are deceased. Those living are James, Walter, Thomas, George and Mrs. Wilson.

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Wilson purchased the two hundred and eighty acres of land which is his present property. By hard work and good management he was enabled to pay for the farm, and now has a well improved tract, one of the best in the township. Mrs. Wilson has co-operated with her husband in his labors and has helped him in the upbuilding of their comfortable home. Our subject takes great interest in politics and affiliates with the Republican party. He is the present Trustee of Fairfield Township and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years. Socially he was an Odd Fellow while living in Scotland.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894

Grundy Biographies maintained by Tammy D. Mount.
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