Biography - Samuel Wilson
SAMUEL WILSON. Many of the best characteristics in every branch of
social and commercial life, are the outcome of the brawn and sinew of what
is frequently called the middle class of society; in reality, the best
class, for in it is usually found a common sense and practical view of
affairs that is often wanting in both the highest and lowest classes. Our
subject, although having tilled a humble portion in the ranks for some time,
is one who by perseverance, energy and native ability has acquired much that
many a richer man, and one who is pleased to think himself of a better
class, is wanting in. He is the owner of a neat little farm in Rural
Township, having been a resident of Shelby County since 1875.
Mr. Wilson was born in Delaware County, Ind., February 28, 1848. He is a son
of William and Lydia (Antrim) Wilson, natives of Pickaway County, Ohio. They
were married however, in Indiana, and resided in that State the remainder of
their lives. The father died in 1863 at the age of forty-five. They were the
parents of nine children, eight of whom lived to be grown. They were: Sarah,
Robert, Samuel, Emma, Alva, Lizzie, Martha and Florence. Of these Robert and
Alva are deceased.
After the death of our subject's father, his mother married a second
husband, but there were no children by this union. She is still living in
Delaware County, Ind., and is the object of the filial affection and care of
her children. Our subject's advent into this State was made in 1875. He
worked by the year on a farm until 1877, when he was united in marriage to
Mary Ann Beckett, a daughter of William Beckett. She was born in Utica, N.
Y. Our subject and his wife have two children, Anna and Lenora, who are the
pride and hope of their fond parents. Politically he of whom we write feels
that his interests are best furthered by a union with his class, and he is a
member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, although formerly he was
a Republican. In his religious connection he is united with the Church of
God, as is his wife, he operates eighty acres of land.
Extracted 11 Jan 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 313-314.
