Elba Wilson
Born during the last year of the Civil War. Elba Wilson has been a resident of Fayette county since the day of his birth. He has never been seized with the desire to wander, but has been satisfied to spend his career in the county which gave him birth. There is no better farming county in the state than Fayette, a county which, according to the census of 1910, produced $3,129,313 worth of farm products. Consequently, there is no good reason why a farmer should want to leave this county to seek his fortune elsewhere. The success which has attended Mr. Wilson's efforts is sufficient evidence that he has made no mistake in choosing to remain in the county where he was born.
Elba Wilson. the present road superintendent of Union township, was born December 14. 1865. in Perry township, near New Martinsburg. He is the son of James M. and Martha (Simmons) Wilson, natives of this county, and the parents of six children: Libby (deceased). Wesley. Mrs. Armilda Cox, Elba. Mrs. Emma Chaffin and Trustin (deceased). James M. Wilson was the son of Wesley Wilson, who was born in Virginia and located in Greene county, Ohio, early in its history.
Mr. Wilson received a good common school education in the district schools of his home township and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-two years of age. He then secured two old horses and started to farm on some land belonging to Samuel Hidy. He continued to rent until his marriage, when he bought his present farm in Union township and has Iived on this farm ever since. He is recognized as one of the best farmers of his township because of his progressive methods. He has paid special attention to stock raising and has been very successful along this particular line of endeavor. His farm is well improved and he takes pride in keeping everything about him in a neat and attractive manner.
Mr. Wilson was married October 5. 1887, to Almedia Hidy, the daughter of Simon and Mary F. (Adams) Hidy. Simon Hidy was the son of George Hidy, a native of Virginia and an early settler of Union township. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Grace, who married Alva McCoy, and has four children, Harry, Lillian, Willard and Marion.
The Democratic party has claimed the support of Mr. Wilson and he has been one of the leaders in his party for many years, always active and foremost in its councils. He served for several years on the school board of Union township and at the present time is filling the responsible position of road superintendent in his township. Mr. Wilson is a man of pleasing personality and is one of the best known and liked men in the county. While primarily devoted to his own interests, he has not neglected his duty as a member of society and gives his hearty support to all public-spirited enterprises.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)