Henry C. Wilson
The chief use of biography consists in the noble models of character in which it abounds. Our great ancestors still live among us in the records of their deeds, and in the same manner, when the present generation shall have passed from earth, they will still live in the hearts of their descendants, furnishing examples of industry and patience for their posterity to imitate and admire. The record of the life of Mr. Wilson is calculated to increase a man’s self-reliance, fortify his hopes and elevate his aims. He is one of the prominent agriculturists of Jefferson Township, Madison County, and we are pleased to note the evidences of his prosperity and success.
The great-grandfather of our subject, Valentine Wilson, was born near Harper’s Ferry, Va., in 1785, and was a lad of five years when he accompanied his father to Kentucky. When seventeen years of age, he came to Ohio, and in 1806 was married to Miss Eleanor JUDY, of Greene County, this State. He was afterward twice married and of his three unions nineteen children were born, seventeen of whom became heads of families. A man of great wealth, he at one time owned about seven thousand acres of land, beside his personal property, which was valued at $60,000.
The eldest of the six children born to Valentine and Eleanor Wilson was William D., who was born in bath Township, Greene County, February 27, 1807, and departed this life on what is now known as the Darby Plains, March 25, 1873. He accumulated a vast estate, and so straightforward was his life, so honorable his dealings with all, and so energetic his work for the best that life affords, that even his enemies, if he had any, had nothing to say against him, but on all sides his praise resounded. A full history of Valentine and William D. Wilson may be found in the history of Madison County, published in 1883 by William M. Beach, M.D.
The grandfather of our subject was married to Miss Nancy MOORE, who died in September, 1882. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Alexander, the father of our subject, was the eldest. He was born in this county, February 22, 1829, and when attaining mature years was married, in 1854, to Martha J. MILLIKIN, and located on the tract where his father was then living. He later, however, removed to Plain City, and in 1863 settled near West Jefferson, where he died, June 29, 1881. He gave his entire attention to farming and stock-raising, and at the time of his decease owned two thousand five hundred acres of land. The mother of our subject, who still survives, is the daughter of Daniel Millikin and had her birth in Washington County, Pa., in 1829. By her union with Mr. Wilson four children were born, namely: Henry C., our subject; Lovina, the wife of William E. WHITE, who resides in California; Grant, who died in infancy; and Albert W., who makes his home in Canaan Township and whose sketch will be bound on another page in this volume.
A native of Canaan Township, Madison County, our subject was born April 23, 1856. When a lad of seven years, his father settled in Jefferson Township on the National Pike, just east of the village of West Jefferson. Four years later, in company with others, he crossed the Alleghany mountains on horseback with a drove of cattle, and visited different points in the keystone State and Maryland. During his boyhood he also traveled extensively through Indiana, in company with some of his father’s employes, who bought cattle there and afterward disposed of them to stockmen in Ohio. Mr. Wilson grew to manhood in this township and received his early education in the common schools of West Jefferson, the knowledge gained therein being later supplemented by attendance at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and at the present time is the owner of seven hundred broad acres, to the carrying on of which he gives his personal attention. He also makes a specialty of raising stock, having some very fine animals on his place. His homestead, a view of which is elsewhere shown, is one of the most attractive in the township and contains all the modern improvements.
November 29, 1883, Henry C. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Kate, the daughter of the late John FARRAR, formerly a prominent citizen of London. Mrs. Wilson was born in London, July 29, 1857, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of a son, Walter F., who was born September 11, 1886. Mr. Wilson takes an active part in local affairs and has served his fellow-townsmen most acceptably as a Trustee of Jefferson Township. In politics, he casts a Republican vote, believing that party to be in the right. Religiously, he is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and gives liberally of his means towards its support. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and is also a Knight Templar.