Wilson - James D.
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis: A W
Bowen, 1913, P. 1134
The agricultural districts of the great commonwealth of
Indiana are the homes of worthy men whose lives have been spent
in such a manner as to win the respect of those with whom they
associate, while their well-directed efforts have resulted in
comfortable homes and many enjoyments. In Montgomery County
frequent representatives of this class may be found, and one of
them is he whose life history is briefly outlined in these
paragraphs. James D. Wilson's home is located in Coal Creek
Township where he has a thoroughly tilled farm, whereon may be
found such buildings as are made necessary to the extent of his
work, or such as will increase the comfort of his home life. He
owes his present prosperity solely to his own industry, and in
his career he has shown himself possessed of those faculties that
are requisite to success--sagacity, far-reaching forethought and
a practical tenacity of purpose.
Mr. Wilson was born in Montgomery County on October 30, 1854,
and here he has been content to spend his life, believing that
near his own home exist opportunities as good if not better than
exist for him elsewhere. He is a son of W. W. and Sophia
(McGinnis) Wilson. These parents were both natives of the state
of Ohio, however, they both came to Indiana when six years old
with their parents who settled in Montgomery County, the McGinnis
family locating in Crawfordsville in a very early day. The
parents of our subject grew to maturity in this county, were
educated and married here, and here they spent their lives on a
farm, becoming well established through their industry. Eight
children were born to them, named as follows; Albert M. who was
the eldest; James D., of this sketch; Theodore E., Evelyn,
Harriet M., William H., Etta Alice and Lafayette D.
James D. Wilson grew to manhood in his native community and
received his education in the common schools, later entering
Stockwell Academy. He applied himself assiduously to his
text-books and made an excellent record. After leaving school he
began life for himself by teaching, which vocation he followed
successfully for a period of seven years, giving eminent
satisfaction to both pupils and patrons, and his services were in
great demand. He did much to improve the educational conditions
in the public schools of the county and became well known locally
in this field of endeavor. But finally tiring of this line of
work he turned his attention to farming and is still active. He
has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and
has become well established.
Mr. Wilson was married in 1879 to Mary J. McClamrock, daughter
of James and Hannah (Breaks) McClamrock. Her father was a native
of Hamilton County, Ohio, and the mother was born in Montgomery
County, Indiana, her parents having been very early settlers in
this locality. Mrs. Wilson was reared to womanhood and educated
in her native community.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, namely;
Ethel, married Frank Chadwick, and they live in Coal Creek
Township; Stelia lives at home; Ralph, who was killed on October
23, 1910 in a football game in St. Louis, in a game between a St.
Louis team and the Wabash College team of Crawfordsville,
Indiana. He was considered one of the fastest and most capable
half-backs in the state at the time of his death. He was a young
man of much promise and was popular.
Mr. Wilson has long been active in local public affairs, and
he is at present trustee of Coal Creek Township, and he was
formerly County Commissioner for two terms. As a public servant
he gives eminent satisfaction to all concerned, being faithful
and honest in the discharge of his duty. Fraternally, he belongs
to the Knights of Pythias, in which he is active and influential.
In In religious matters he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
church and is at present a trustee in the same.
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