William Wilson was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, October 1, 1833, and is a son of James and Caroline (Reed) Wilson. His early education was obtained at the place of his birth and at the age of sixteen years he came to America, his parents following him later. He sailed on the “J. W. Bourne,” an American ship, and was about two months making the trip across the Atlantic. After landing in New Orleans he took a Mexican war transport steamer up the Mississippi to St. Louis, thence an upper river packet to Davenport. An uncle who had preceded him to America was engaged in farming near Davenport and William took up his abode with him and remained about two summers. In the meantime his father arrived and purchased the land on which the son now lives, and together they cultivated and improved the farm, which has yielded rich returns.
Mr. Wilson was married in 1857 to Miss Jane Kerr, and four children have been born of this marriage, of whom only two are now living. He has held school and Township offices and stands high in Masonry, being a Royal Arch Mason, Knight Templar, and noble of the Mystic Shrine. He held the office of Township clerk for twenty-five years, fourteen years consecutively, being elected first in 1859.
BIOGRAPHIES