Biographies

Source:
Past and Present of Piatt County, Illinois
together with biographical sketches of many prominent and influential citizens.
Publ.: Chicago - The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
1903

JOSEPH WILSON.  For many years Mr. Wilson was one of the active and progressive farmers of Piatt county, as well as one of its most reliable and honored citizens, and now in his declining years he is enjoying a well-earned rest, free from the cares and removed to DeLand, renting his farm.  With the hope of benefiting his health, which was much impaired, he recently spent four months at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and on his return purchased the Dresbach property, which he expects soon to occupy.  He bought a house and lot here in 1898 and another in 1902, both of which he now rents.      On the 16th of October, 1856, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Judy, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann (Musick) Judy.  Her mother was born on Nov. 20, 1812, and died in 1884, but her father, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, Jan. 9, 1804, is still living, and, although ninety-nine years of age, still enjoys good health, though his eyesight has failed him.  In early life he engaged in farming in his native state, but as early as 1823 he came to Illinois and settled in Tazewell county, where he followed the same pursuit.  He is now a resident of Logan county, this state.  In 1885 he was again married, his second union being with Mary Ann Hawes.  The children by his first marriage were Nancy Jane, the widow of Ellis Roberts, of Champaign county, Illinois; Robert, who died on Mar. 27, 1902; Eliza, the widow of Nimrod Brighton, of Hopedale, Tazewell county, who died at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, about eight years ago; Annie, wife of Allen Haneline, of Armington, Illinois; Mattie M., wife of John Montjoy, of Armington; H. C. a resident of Hopedale, Illinois; Mary Belle, who died April 28, 1897; Lucinda, wife of our subject; and Sarah, Hattie and John, who all three died in infancy.     The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were as follows:  Rose Ellen, now the wife of William Gelshorpe, a farmer of Logan county, Illinois; Sarah Ann, wife of D. P. Swisher, a farmer of Piatt county; Amanda, who died Feb. 29, 1888; May Bell, wife of J. L. Borton, who is engaged in farming near DeLand; Jacob G., a farmer of this county; and Mattie May, who died Oct. 9, 1887.  The parents are both earnest and consistent members of the Christian church, and are held in the highest respect by all who know them.  Politically, Mr. Wilson is identified with the Republican party, but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests.  He deserves great credit for what he has achieved in life, as he began making his own way in the world at the age of seven years and has since been dependent upon his own resources.  He is a man of good business ability, sound judgment and strict integrity, and to these characteristics is due his success. ~ Page 190

NOTES:

* Picture
** Buried in Chandler Cemetery