JOSEPH WILSON. To the energetic, patriotic, warm-hearted and enthusiastic sons of the Emerald Isle America owes a lasting debt of gratitude. The blood of Erin's sons has ever freely flowed in behalf of American liberties and for the American people. From the days of the Revolution, when Patrick Henry voiced the anguished cry of a maddened nation in burning words of eloquence, to the present time, as gold-crowned Monopoly would crush the toiling millions beneath her feet, laugh to scorn their cries for mercy through all these years has rung that cry which is echoed in the heart of every true Irishman "Give me liberty or give me death;" and many have accepted death, that their adopted and beloved country might enjoy the blessings of liberty. Of this noble race the family of which we write are worthy representatives. Thomas Wilson was born and reared in County Antrim, Ireland, and in early life made choice of a helpmeet in the person of Mary Ellis, whose children were as follows: Joseph, Margaret (wife of William Chapman), Nancy (Mrs. Archie Wilney), Matthew, Thomas, Eliza (wife of Patrick Rush) and Robert. The father was a member of the Seceder Church. He followed farming, and both parents died in their native land. Joseph Wilson was born February 28, 1827, in County Antrim, Ireland, and was there married to Nancy Kerr. In 1853 the children of the Wilson family came to America; Joseph came a year ahead of wife and two sons: John and Joseph E., aged two and four years respectively. They had a stormy voyage of nine weeks' duration, but finally landing in Baltimore, Md., proceeded to Washington county, locating in Canonsburg, where Joseph Wilson followed the boating and coal business until 1862. He then enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., with the army of the Potomac. He was wounded in the foot by a minie ball, at Cold Harbor, and after returning home he engaged in business. In 1871 he opened the grocery which he is now conducting. In politics he is a Republican, and served as burgess of Canonsburg one year and assistant burgess several years. He is a member and liberal supporter of the U. P. Church. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson the following is a brief record: John, born in County Antrim, Ireland, was reared and educated in Canonsburg, this county; was married to Mary, daughter of William Skyls, and she has borne him eight children. John Wilson is the manager of the Oak Spring cemetery. Joseph E., born in Ireland and reared in Canonsburg, Penn., in early life was married to Vianna Ferguson; is engaged in the coal business. Thomas is living at home. David follows teaming for a livelihood; in early life he was united in marriage with Mary Jones. Matthew is an enterprising and prosperous grocer of Canonsburg; selected a life companion in the person of Miss Jennie Giffin. George was married to Amanda Gutherie, and they are now residing in the State of Ohio, where he carries on a profitable business. Robert, who married Martha Thompson, is a huckster. Mary E. was educated at the common schools of Canonsburg, at the academy, and also attending the normal school at California, this county; she is now teaching in the schools of Canonsburg. The family are members of the U. P. Church, and the sons are all stanch Republicans.
Text taken from page 1006 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]