Willson, Frank E.

WILLSON, RICKERSON, ARTHUR, FERRALL

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 5/20/2009 at 22:29:31

History of Hamilton County Iowa, 1912, Vol.II, p.73

FRANK E. WILLSON

Frank E. Willson, who spent his entire life in Webster City, passing away here on the 29th of March, 1907, was widely recognized as a prominent factor in business circles and acted as general manager of the Crooked Creek Railroad & Coal Company. His birth occurred on the 11th of June, 1859, his parents being Walter C. and Calista (Rickerson) Willson. The father was the founder of Webster City and had extensive business interests here. He was one of the organizers of the Crooked Creek Railroad & Coal Company and erected a number of buildings, including the Willson Hotel, which was rebuilt by him in 1885.

Frank E. Willson was educated in the Webster City public schools and also pursued a commercial course in the Milwaukee Business College. After putting aside his text books he became an associate of his father and when the latter passed away, in 1900, he assumed full charge of his father's affairs, becoming the general manager of the Crooked Creek Railroad & Coal Company. He possessed excellent business ability and sound judgment, conducting important interests ably and successfully. For two years prior to his demise, however, he was an invalid.

In 1888 Mr. Willson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Arthur, a daughter of Horace and Mary Arthur, of Webster City. They had one son, Walter C. Willson, whose birth occurred in Webster City, June 29, 1893, and who is now engaged in the news business with Richard Ferrall, under the firm name of Willson & Ferrall, at No. 618 Des Moines avenue.

Frank E. Willson was prominent in the local organization of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being past exalted ruler of Lodge No. 302. His widow now supervises the affairs of the Willson estate and has proven herself to be a woman of splendid executive ability and keen discernment. She resides in her home at No. 715 First street and has an extensive circle of friends in Webster City.