WILSON, Boylston Shaw: Died 1910

WILSON, VAIL

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 1/22/2017 at 17:48:53

Obituary of H.S. Wilson.
(Read by Rev. Perkins at the funeral.)

Boylston Shaw Wilson, was born in Athens, Ohio, April 25, 1838. His passing from earth was on Sunday evening, Jan. 2, 1910. His age was 71 yrs, 8 mo. and 7 days. His parents moved from Ohio to Keosauqua, reaching here April 23, 1845, and here the boy grew to be a man. He was married July 8, 1862, to Mary A. Vail. The first years of their married life were lived in Pittsburg, Iowa, where Mr. Wilson was engaged in mercantile business. In 1871 he moved, with his family, to Garden Grove, Iowa, where the home was made until 1895. In that year he returned to Keosauqua, engaging in business, and here he has since resided. Mr. Wilson's death is mourned by his wife, two daughters and two sons. Of the father's family two sisters are living, Miss Lizzie Wilson and Mrs. Alice Vail. Their home is in Washington. The return of Mr. Wilson to Keosauqua, after an absence of many years in Garden Grove, was nearly coincident with my own coming to this place. I have know him, therefore, during nearly the entire time of his later residence here. A quiet, friendly, unassuming man, of simple tastes, devoted to his home, attentive to his business, a good citizen, a kind neighbor - all these I have found him to be. It is much to be able to say that a man is all these things. The father of our friend, known among all the older residents of Keosauqua as Deacon Wilson, was one of the early settlers here, as I have already indicated. He was a deacon in the Congregational church for a great many years, passing away respected and lamented, July 10, 1885. The deceased was a member of the Keosauqua Lodge of Free Masons, and valued highly his Masonic fellowship. The illness from which he died was of many months' duration and was accompanied by much suffering. Throughout the long season of pain, however, he ws very patient and seemed to exert himself to be hopeful and cheerful, whenever I saw and conversed with him.

[The funeral was held from the home at 2 o'clock p.m., Wednesday, January 5, 1910, Rev. Chas. E. Perkins conducting the services. The burial was in the Purdom cemetery.-EDS]

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book H, Page 79, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA