Marion County
ILGenWeb

James Wilson

JAMES WILSON, a carpenter and millwright of Centralia, is one of the oldest residents of this place. He has witnessed the growth and development of this community since the days of its early infancy, and has taken a commendable interest in its progress and advancement.

He was born in Chester County, S. C., October 1, 1816, and is a son of James Wilson, who was a native of the same state and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He wedded Mary Hamilton, who was born in South Carolina in 1792, and was a daughter of Robert Hamilton, a native of the North of Ireland. The latter started for America in 1790, and after a voyage of thirteen weeks landed at Charleston.

James Wilson, Sr., followed the trade of carpentering in his native state, and also engaged in farming there until the spring of 1832, when he removed to Greene County, Ohio. In 1835 he became a resident of St. Clair County, ILL., and entering land from the Government, developed a fine farm, upon which he made his home until his death, August 23, 1866, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife also died on the old homestead, January 10, 1874. They were the parents of eight children, but our subject is the only one now living. Both were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Wilson of this sketch spent the first sixteen years of his life in the state of his nativity, and acquired his education in its common schools. He was about nineteen years of age when he came to Illinois. When quite young he learned the carpenter's trade with his father and uncle, and for some years followed that pursuit, but at length entered eighty acres of land in St. Clair County, where he carried on farming until September, 1854.

In South Carolina, on the 26th of November, 1840, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Jane B. White, daughter of John and Margaret (Kennedy) White, the former of whom was a native of South Carolina.

The grandfather, William White, was a Revolutionary soldier and took part in many important engagements during that struggle for independence. John White was a fanner and stock-raiser, and died in his native state in the year 1840. After his death the family removed to Bloomington, Ind., and thence to St. Clair County, ILL. In the family were seven children, the following of whom are yet living:

  1. Francis White, of Marissa, ILL.; and
  2. Elizabeth, wife of William Johnson, deceased, of Bloomington, Ind.

In September, 1854, James Wilson removed to Walnut Hill, ILL., and in April, 1855, located in Centralia. The main line of the Illinois Central Railroad was just built, and the now flourishing city was then only a village. He began business as a contractor and builder, and built many of the first houses in this locality. He has since engaged as a carpenter and millwright, and has succeeded in securing a liberal share of the public patronage. His efforts being successful, he has thereby acquired a handsome income. At one time he was a member of the firm of Wilson. Kell & Co., millers, of Centralia. In 1866 he acted as Superintendent for an oil company. He is one of the oldest residents of this place and is one of its most highly respected citizens.

November 26, 1890, he and Mrs. Wilson celebrated their golden wedding.

In politics, Mr. Wilson was first an Abolitionist; in 1856 he joined the Republican party, but since 1872 has supported the Greenback or Populist party.

He was the first Assessor and Treasurer of Centralia, and was the first Postmaster of Marissa, ILL., which position he filled for eight years. He gave the name of Marissa to the office.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are both Presbyterians, and he was Superintendent of the first Sundayschool ever held in Centralia. They have had no children of their own, but they adopted and reared three girls, one of whom, Mary, is deceased. The other two are married. Jane became the wife of B. M. Kimzey, and they reside at Rush Springs, Ind. Ter. Nellie is the wife of C. W. Foster, and they live in Erie County, Pa.

Mr. Wilson has ever maintained his interest in church and benevolent work, and has done much for the advancement of the cause in this locality. He is recognized as one of the best citizens of Marion County, for he has ever been prominent in the upbuilding of the community and has done all in his power to aid in its progress.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 233-234
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer