Wilson Craig
Wilson Craig is a son of William Craig, who was born in Washington County, Penn., July 3, 1785. John Craig, the grandfather of Wilson, was a native of Londonderry, Ireland; immigrated to America and participated in the War of the Revolution, after the close of which he settled in Washington County, Penn. He married Miss Mary Patterson, a resident of that county but a native of Ireland. In 1817 Mr. Craig came to Ohio, purchased 500 acres of land in Coshocton County, and moved his family there in 1818. He was a prominent member of the Democratic party, and served as justice of the peace for many years. He reared two children, of whom William, the father of the subject of these lines, was the eldest. John Craig died March 19, 1824, aged about sixty-two years; his widow died March 19, 1828, aged about seventy years, both dying on the same day of the month.
William Craig received no education whatever, never going to school but one day. He married Miss Margaret Davidson, of Jefferson County, Penn., moved to Coshocton County with his parents, and lived there until his death. He was one of the prominent farmers of his time and a man well known. Their house was often used by teamsters between Coshocton and Wooster, as a stopping place to feed, stay over night, etc. Mr. Craig started in life poor, but by his own efforts became well-to-do. He was a member of the Democratic party, and filled various township offices. He was one of the original six members of the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, and a prominent member of the same until his death, which occurred August 17, 1853. His wife died October 24, 1852. Twelve children were born to their union, six of whom are still living: John, Charles, George, Wilson, Margaret (wife of George Murray, of Coshocton County) and Sarah (wife of Robert Wilson, also of Coshocton County).
Wilson Craig was born on the homestead farm June 10, 1826. He was educated at the proverbial log schoolhouse of that period. May 7, 1851, he moved into Holmes County and purchased his present farm of 170 acres, where he has since resided. January 16, 1851, he was united in marraige with Miss Sally, daughter of Jacob Conrad, of Mechanic Township, and they have eleven living children: Mary M., wife of Levi Shaffer, of Mechanic Township; William, living at home; Sarah Catherine, wife of John T. Mitchell, of Decatur County, Iowa: John, at home; James, of Mechanic Township, married Miss Rellie Harbaugh; Elizabeth, wife of William Casey, of Coshocton County; George, of Coshocton County, married Miss Ruth Miller; Oliver, Emma, Clemena and Clifford, at home. Mr. Craig is an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party. He has served as township treasurer for several years, and has also held other township offices.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889