Wilson, Harry M.

WILSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/21/2019 at 16:53:32

Harry M. Wilson

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.618)
HARRY M. WILSON, of Walnut, is one of the prominent young grain dealers in this thriving town. The firm name under which he operated is Negley & Wilson. Mr. Negley died June 7, 1890, and Mr. WILSON now carries on the business under the firm name of Wilson & Toritze. He was born on a farm in Fulton County, Illinois, July 14, 1865. His grandfather was a prominent minister of the German Reformed Church in New Jersey. Being a man of power in his denomination, he was appointed to travel and preach, the gospel in the wilderness and build up churches. He traveled in Indiana and Illinois and met with good success. Like the eminent preacher George WHITEFIELD, he carried the gospel among the hardy pioneers and early settlers. He established and assisted in building seven churches, and among the last the German Reformed Church at Fairview, Fulton County, Illinois, and was pastor of this church for many years, retiring on account of old age.

He married twice and was the father of seven children, five of whom are living: Abraham, Harry, John, Julia and Jane. Mr. WILSON lived to the great age of 92 years. He was a man of wide experience in life and one who did at an early day a great service, not only to his country but also in the cause of Christian religion, which he assisted in planting in many places in the wilderness.

Abraham WILSON, son of the above, and the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1828, in New Jersey, and came West with his father in 1835, when but seven years of age. His father located near Fairview, and there he grew up and learned farming in his early life, and was also for a time in the mercantile business.

He married Mary E. NEGLEY, daughter of John NEGLEY, a native of Pennsylvania. To Mr. And Mrs. WILSON were born eight children: Lolo (deceased), Kate, John (deceased in 1886, at 28 years of age), Lulu, Maggie, Harry, Cornelius and Mamie. Mr. WILSON settled on a farm at Fairview, on which he lived for many years and then retired, and is now living at the age of 62 years. He has enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people of his township and county and held the usual offices. He is an upright and industrious man, and has accumulated a handsome property. In politics he is a Democrat. Socially he is a Mason, being a member of the Blue Lodge.

Harry M. WILSON, son of the above and subject of this sketch, received an excellent education, attending for two years the scientific department of Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois. In 1855, he came to Walnut, Iowa, and engaged as a clerk for J. T. SPANGLER for one year, and then took charge of the grain business for W. H. NEGLEY. In July 1888, he bought a one-half interest therein, and the firm has enjoyed a successful trade. Socially Mr. WILSON is an Odd Fellow and has held the office of Secretary. He is also a member of the A.O.U.W. In politics, he is a Republican.

May 8, 1889, Mr. WILSON married Nettie BAILER, daughter of Joseph B. and Julia (DICKINSON) BAILER. Mr. BAILER is a native of Ohio, and is an extensive land holder in this county, and now a resident of Walnut. Mr. And Mrs. WILSON have had one son, Earl C. Both Mr. And Mrs. WILSON are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. WILSON is a young man of excellent moral character and good business abilities. He began business life young, and is making a success by his own efforts. His integrity is unimpeachable and a long and useful career is before him.