JAMES WILSON, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Franklin township, was born December 9, 1821, in that township. His grandfather was a native of Maryland, where he was married, and in 1780 moved to Washington county, settling in Franklin township. The country was then very new, and Indians were numerous, but he erected a log cabin and with his family braved the dangers and endured the privations of frontier life. He reared the following children: Robert, Douglas, Jane, Margaret, Mary, Effie, Sarah, Nancy and Johnson. In politics Mr. Wilson was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the M. E. Church. Robert Wilson was born on the home farm in Franklin township, and received a meager education in the common schools. He remained at home until some time after his marriage, when he removed to the farm where he died. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha and Mary Lacock, and she bore him the following children: Emily (Mrs. William Haggerty), Sabrina (Mrs. James Powers), Simeon, Eliza (Mrs. James Warrick), James, Atlas, Abner and Douglas. Mr. Wilson was a liberal contributor to the cause of Christianity, although a member of no church. In politics he was a Whig, and took an active interest in all questions pertaining to the welfare of the township. James Wilson, son of Robert and Elizabeth Wilson, was born in Franklin township, Washington county, and attended the common schools of the neighborhood, which offered but poor advantages. In 1847 he was united in marriage with Isabella, daughter of John Fulton, a resident of Morris township, this county, and to their union were born children as follows: Mary (Mrs. Albert Lacock), Frank and Victoria (Mrs. Gleason Conklin). After his marriage Mr. Wilson settled on the farm of 145 acres of valuable land, where he still resides, the improvements having been made by his own industry. In politics he was originally a Whig, and since the formation of the party has been a Republican. He has served as assessor two terms, and has also been school director nine years. He is a liberal supporter of the church.

Text taken from page 1322 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]