Biographical Sketch of
James Wilson
Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 720 - 721 James Wilson, deceased was born Dec. 26, 1826, and died at his home in Berlin Township, Aug. 29, 1886, respected by all who knew him. He was for many years a prominent citizen of that community and was one of the representative farmers of that town. He was of English birth, but when about a year and a half old was brought by his parents to this country, the family settling in Oneida County, N. Y., where both father and mother lie under the green sod. James was reared to manhood upon the old home farm where he spent most of his life until his emigration to the West. For a few years however, he was captain of a boat on the Erie Canal. In 1856 he left the East with the hope of bettering his financial condition by a removal to Wisconsin. He chose Green Lake County as the scene of his future operations and after working as a farm hand for a few months bought a tract of land, then in a wild and unimproved condition. It is the farm on which Mrs. Wilson now resides, but is wild no longer, having been transformed into rich and fertile fields by the tireless efforts of Mr. Wilson, who was one of the industrious and enterprising men of the community. Our subject was single when he came to the county, but on the 10th day of June 1857, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Susan Spencer, who was born near Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., Jan. 11, 1835. Her parents were Jay and Margaret L. (Austin) Spencer, the former a native of Schenectady, N. Y., born Dec. 3, 1810, the latter a native of Rhode Island, born Oct. 13, 1810. Mr. Spencer was the eldest of four children and was only ten years of age when his mother was burned to death in their house which was totally destroyed by fire. He became acquainted with Miss Austin who had removed to New York with her parents when a child, and in Rome, that State, on the 2d day of May, 1830, they were united in marriage. He was a blacksmith by trade, but his health prevented him from following that occupation and he engaged in farming. In 1859, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to Outagamie County, Wis., where his death occurred Aug. 9, 1876. His wife still survives him and is a faithful member of the Baptist Church, as was her husband. They were parents of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, and with the exception of two all are yet living. Mrs. Wilson was reared to womanhood under the parental roof, but in 1856 came to Green Lake County to visit her sister. While here she and Mr. Wilson became acquainted and he sought her hand in marriage. The Wilson and Spencer families had known each other in New York, but the young people had never met. Soon after their marriage they settled on the farm on section 26 in the town of Berlin, where four children were born to them: Fred J. married Ellen Gardner and has one son; Jennie S. is the wife of Mark Tusten; Frank A. operates the home farm; and Jessie M., who was graduated from the Berlin High School, is a teacher of recognized ability in this community. Mr. Wilson continued to engage in farming until his death and became one of the prosperous citizens of the town. He cast his ballot with and gave his influence to the support of the Republican party but never sought the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his leisure time to the enjoyment of the home. His labors were all for the interests of his family and he considered no sacrifice too great which would enhance their happiness or promote their interests. In his death the county lost a valued citizen, the business world a trusted member and his associates an accommodating friend, but the loss to the family cannot be measured. Mrs. Wilson and her children are widely known throughout the community and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
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