Biography of WILLIAM WILSON

William Wilson, who is living on section 11, Paris township, Howard county, and has gained recognition as one of the progressive and alert farmers of the district, was born in Howard county on the 5th of October, 1875. His parents were William and Helen Wilson, the former a native of the state of New York, whence he removed westward to Iowa at the age of eighteen years in company with his parents. The family homesteaded in Howard county, being among the first people to take up land within its boarders. They shared in all the hardships and privations of pioneer life and lived in a log cabin in the early days, while they had to haul their produce to McGregor, it requiring from two weeks to a month to make the round trip. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon their land when it came into their possession and the arduous task of developing a new farm confronted them; but the work was diligently accomplished by Mr. Wilson, who converted the place into rich and fertile fields.

After the death of the father the farm was rented until William Wilson was twenty-one years of age, when he took over the property and began farming on his own account. All of the modern improvements upon the place have been put there by him and he now has an excellent farm property of one hundred and sixty acres on which are substantial buildings, the latest improved farm machinery and all up-to-date equipments.

On the 1st of May, 1900, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Julia Woods, a daughter of Patrick and Ann Woods, of Howard county. They have become parents of three children: William Emmett, Floyd James and Gertrude L. The elder son has completed the public school course in his home neighborhood and is now attending high school in Cresco.

The family are communicants of the Assumption Catholic Church of Cresco and fraternally Mr. Wilson is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, with which he has been identified for four years. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has held several local offices, including that of school director. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural interests and by reason of his thoroughness, his persistency of purpose and his laudable ambition he has made steady progress in his chosen life work.

History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties,
By Robert Herd Fairbairn (Published 1919 - Volume II)
S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois
Transcribed by Bernie Glienke