James Wilson (1849-1919)

WILSON

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/9/2008 at 16:51:13

JAMES WILSON 1849-1919

James Wilson died at his home n Avoca Wednesday, May 15 (1919), aged 79 years, seven months and fifteen days. The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Presbyterian church, Rev. Kilmer officiating.

James Wilson was born in Perry county, Ohio on the 20th of September,1849, of a family of three children he was the oldest. He spent his boyhood days on the farm, working in the field during the summer months and attending school during the winter. He remained at home until 1871, then a the age of 22, he came west, stopping in Washington county, Iowa, for a short time and continued his journey to Pottawattamie county and invested in 160 acres of land on section 7, in Knox township, two miles west of Avoca, paying $8 an acre.

In 1872, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Maria A. Hammond of Marysville, Missouri, to this union five children were born. Dora, passing away at the age of 12 years and a son, Orren died in 1920. The children living are Mrs. Henry Patterson of Avoca, Mrs. Marren Best of Shelby and Oley Wilson who lives on the farm west of Avoca.

Mr. Wilson followed farming all his life, for several years he was one of the leading breeders of Polled Durham cattle in the middle west, at this he was very successful and built up a splendid herd.

Mrs. Wilson died June 5, 1928, since then Mr. Wilson has been living at his home part of the time or with his children who have tried to make his reclining years as happy and as comfortable as possible. He has not been in the best of health the past year or more but wa always found cheerful and never complaining. His last illness was only for a few weeks.

James Wilson was one of the most successful farmers in east Pottawattamie county, he was a man of wide influence and had a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were among the leading church workers in this vicinity, they were always found working for the betterment of the community and the young people. In his death there has been taken from among us another of the pioneer farmers and settlers who stood the hardships and trials of a pioneer life that this country should become a better place to live.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald