Robert A. Wilson Biography
As published in
"The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County Wisconsin: A Record of Settlement,
Organization, Progress and Achievement"
by Frank H. Lyman Vol. 2, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916.
Robert A. Wilson deserves much credit for his contribution to Kenosha's
upbuilding and improvement. When he turned his attention to the contracting
business in 1893, the west side of the city, known as Snakeville, was little
more than a swamp. He began buying lots and exploiting the interests and
advantages of the west side, and today one of the attractive and substantial
business and residence districts of the city is a monument to his enterprise,
business ability and public spirit. He is one of the foremost real estate men
not only of Kenosha, but of this part of the state, and the most envious cannot
grudge him his success, so worthily has it been won.
Mr. Wilson was born in New Brunswick, Gloucester County, Canada, on the 25th of
December, 1866 his parents being Andrew and Phoebe (Chason) Wilson. The mother
was of French descent, her ancestors, however, having settled in New Brunswick
more than three hundred years ago. The paternal grandfather, Andrew Wilson, came
from Aberdeen, Scotland to the new world just after his marriage. His son and
namesake, Andrew Wilson, Jr., became a sailor and was captain of ocean going
ships for a quarter of a century.
Robert A. Wilson grew up with his father and sailed on the seas through the
period of his boyhood and youth. In 1886 he came to Kenosha and afterward sailed
upon the lakes for nine years, becoming first mate of the vessel "Gilbert Kupp."
He had been a resident of Kenosha only a few months when he was joined by his
parents, who spent their remaining days here.
For seven years after coming to Kenosha, Robert A. Wilson continued to sail on
the lakes and then turned his attention to other pursuits, in the year 1893
beginning work as a carpenter and contractor. His attention was attracted to the
western part of the city. In 1890 his parents had removed to the corner of
Grover and Pomeroy streets, and in 1893 Robert A. Wilson established his home at
No. 852 Dayton street, which places were on the west side of the town, then
known as Snakeville, being little more than a swamp. Mr. Wilson, however,
believed that there was excellent opportunity for the development of this
section and began buying lots and exploiting his property. In 1904 he erected a
business block two stories in height, forty-five by fifty feet, at No. 500
Howland Avenue. This stands on a lot one hundred and nine and a half feet, one
hundred and fifty-two and a half feet on Elizabeth Street with one hundred and
eighty-eight feet on Salem avenue, being a triangle block. In 1905 he built
another large building so as to cover the whole triangle lot. The entire
building is two stories in height and contains four stores. Mr. Wilson also owns
the property at the southeast corner of Howland Avenue and Elizabeth Street,
which will soon be improved. In addition to handling city property he buys and
sells farms, owning several, and he is likewise a large dealer in other real
estate. His efforts have been the most potent element in the development of the
part of the city in which he has operated and not only have promoted his
success, but have greatly enhanced property values throughout that section of
the city.
On the 6th of September 1893 Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Minnie McDonald, a
daughter of John A. and Mary (Riley) McDonald, the latter a daughter of James
Riley, who was owner of the first boot shop at Kenosha. Mr. McDonald was a
detective. He was born in Brighton Township, Kenosha County, and his father was
one of the early settlers of this part of the state, having arrived here from
New York. He afterward returned to the Empire state and later became a resident
of Chicago, where he served with distinction in connection with detective work
and on the police force. He was the son of James McDonald, who was born in New
York, but became one of the early residents of Kenosha, where he lived until he
returned to New York, there passing away February 9, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
have one son, Chester Robert, who was born July 26, 1898, and is now a sophomore
in the Kenosha High School.
The family are members of St. Thomas Catholic church. Mr. Wilson does not adhere
to any political party but maintains an independent attitude and as opportunity
offers indorses those plans and measures which he believes will prove of
greatest value in the upbuilding of the city and the promotion of its municipal
interests. He is a wide-awake, alert and energetic business man, whose
determination enables him to overcome difficulties and obstacles. His business
methods will bear close investigation and scrutiny, his advancement being due to
his marked enterprise, his keen discrimination and his sound judgment.
Typed by: Michelle Laycock