George Washington Wilson

WILSON, EVELAND

Posted By: Fran Hunt Volunteer
Date: 10/9/2001 at 11:24:59

George W. Wilson was born in Morgan county Ohio, on November 7, 1827, being the son of Mahlon and Elizabeth Eveland Wilson, both of whom were born in Loudoun county Virginia.
George was the fourth of a family of nine children, but one now surviving him; Miss Anna Wilson, who has lived with him in his home here in Bloomfield for the past 39 years. He quietly passed out of this life on the Sabbath evening, January 2, 1927.
The boyhood of George Wilson was passed in a manner characteristic of the youth in the average pioneer settlement in Ohio, and up to the time he attained the age of 19 years, he was enabled to secure such advantages as were afforded by the district schools, thus securing a good common school education, which served as the basis of that broad general knowledge and information which came to him for association with the practical affairs of life.
In 1847 the family removed to Iowa to Jackson township, Van Buren county. George began his individual operations in the agricultural line in Jackson township, Van Buren county. He conducted his work wisely so that he finally became the owner of a tract of 380 acres, comprising some of the most valuable and productive land in this section of the state. The farm was well equipped and well stocked.
In October 1887, thirty-nine years ago, Mr. Wilson removed from his farm to Bloomfield, the county-seat of Davis county, where he has resided ever since, his home presided over by his maiden sister, Miss Anna Wilson, as George had never married. She was his housekeeper for more than 60 years.
Through his own efforts he accumulated a competency, and none could begrudge him the rewards of his labor, for he made good use of the same in his duty to himself and his fellows.
When he came to Iowa he began operations as a farm hand, receiving in compensation for his labor $6 per month. He followed the wise maxim "Save something beyond spending." His industry and economy and careful methods brought the results noted and made him a prosperous and influential citizen, and one whose life has been such as to retain to him the confidence and good will of those among whom he has dwelt.
In his political adherency Mr. Wilson has ever rendered support to the Republican party; but he never sought official preferment, as he had no desire for political office. He was busy enough without it.
He related, at the polls at the presidential election of 1924 in this city that he at that election, cast his 20th ballot for the president of the United States. And further that he cast his first ballot for president of the United States on November 7, 1848, and hence on his birthday when he was 21 years old. The judges expressing doubt concerning age, his father stepped forward and made affidavit concerning it. George then cast his first ballot for Zachary Taylor, the hero of the Rio Grande, for president of the United States.
Mr. Wilson had a fund of interesting reminisciences of those early days. He was always small of sature but wiry and full of vim and many a larger and heavier man often met with defeat before George in a contest with the wheat cradle.
Mr. Wilson had his religious convictions and believed that most depended upon an upright moral life. He rather held to the univeral salvation of the human race. He did not make a public professon of his faith in Christ, but he had some decided views about Christ. We must need leave him in the hands of our God as all of us must be left.
"To his own Master he standeth or falleth."
The funeral was conducted from the residence Tuesday afternoon. W.C. Paden, the pastor of the Presbyterian church conducting the service. The interment was in the I.O.O.F. cemetery. I am not related and am posting this obituary for those who might find this person in their family history.