CAPT. WILLIAM WILSON

WILSON, BARRETT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 4/4/2020 at 21:00:26

CAPT. WILLIAM WILSON was born in Gallia County, Ohio, May 10th, 1829; and, when quite young, his parents moved to Kanawha, Virginia, where he was brought up without much opportunity for education, till the age of twenty-two. In February, 1852, he came to Keokuk, and engaged in carpenter business, having learned the trade of an uncle, in Pittsburg, Pa., when about sixteen years of age. He followed his trade here till 1857, when he opened a news room on Johnson street, near the old post-office, where he continued till the breaking out of the Rebellion. He then enlisted as a private in Company C, Third Iowa Cavalry, and entered the service August 29th, 1861. On the organization of the regiment, he was made orderly sergeant, and afterwards served in the same company as second lieutenant and captain. He served his country faithfully through the war, made an honorable record, and received an honorable discharge when victory had crowned the Union arms with success.

On his return to citizenship again, he entered the civil list; first as City Recorder, serving four years, and then as Collector of the City of Keokuk, in which he served two years.

In the fall of 1872, he was elected County Clerk, the office which he is now filling in a manner satisfactory to his constituents.

He was married on the 10th of November, 1852 to Miss Lydia Barrett, of Keokuk, by whom he had one child, which died in infancy.

Captain Wilson is a self-made man, who has worked himself up from nothing to his present position of honor and public trust, by his own talents, energy and enterprise. He is highly esteemed for his social qualities, integrity, business capacity and good character as a man and a citizen.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer