Biographical Sketch of

Matthew 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 681 - 682


Matthew Wilson was born in Yorkshire, England on December 21, 1801, and in his native county grew to 
manhood.

He was twice married and by his first wife had two children--Sarah, who is now deceased; and John a resident 
of Minnesota.  After the death of the mother of those children, he was joined in wedlock in 1825, with Miss 
Hannah Hayes and shortly afterwards emigrated to America with the intention of trying his fortune in the new 
world.  He first located in Northern New York, where he remained for twelve years, when he removed to Kalamazoo, 
Mich.  In that city he continued to make his home until 1844, when with an ox-team he started for Fond du Lac 
County.  Settling in Metomen Township, the four succeeding years of his life were there passed, when, in 1848, 
he removed to Dartford, Green Lake County.  When he settled in Fond du Lac County, he entered 380 acres of land 
and ere his removal had placed much of it under cultivation.  His first house was a rude shanty covered with 
carpets to keep out the rain and cold, but as soon as possible he replaced it by a substantial log cabin.  On 
his removal to Dartford he opened a blacksmith shop, having learned the trade in his native land.  He also 
assisted in making and putting in the machinery of the first gristmill at that place, and was identified with 
much of its upbuilding and progress.  After three years, however, he again removed to a farm, purchasing land 
near Princeton in 1851.  He spent his time conjointly between farming and blacksmithing and acquired a considerable 
competency.
 
Mr. Wilson was widely known throughout the community and was "Uncle Matthew" to almost every one.  His uniform 
kindness and courtesy made him the friend of both young and old and his loss was sincerely mourned.  He was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a consistent Christian gentleman.  He lived in harmony with his 
profession and was ready to respond to the summons of his Master.  He died on the 19th of January, 1877.  His 
wife is still living and makes her home with her daughter, their only child, Elizabeth, wife of Thomas S. Roberts.  
She was reared in the Episcopal Church and has since been a follower of that faith.  Like her husband she is held 
in high regard and has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the community where she makes her home.






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