My Genealogy Hound

William J. Wilson, one of the leading merchants of Ravenden, was born in California, in 1853. He is a son of Capt. Isaac D. Wilson, whose birthplace was in Tennessee, but was reared in Arkansas, having come to this State and settled in White County, among the first arrivals. I. D. Wilson grew to manhood in White County, and was married in Lawrence County to Miss Martha F. Estes. After their marriage they made a trip to California and remained several years, returning about the year 1855, and locating in Washington County. Capt. Wilson held a commission in the Confederate army, and died in that service about 1863, while gallantly defending his cause. William J. Wilson was reared in Lawrence and Sharp Counties, and cultivated the soil until the year 1882, when he entered into commercial life at Williford. He remained here two years and then moved to Ravenden, where he formed a partnership with Mr. Ball, with whom he continued in business for the same length of time. He afterward went to Texas and purchased some land, and on his return was inactive until 1887, when he once more entered into business. He carries a large stock of general merchandise, and has established a fine trade, enjoying an enviable reputation for fair dealing and honest goods. He also handles cotton to a considerable extent, and is interested with Mr. Ball in the erection of a cotton-gin. Mr. Wilson was married, in 1873, to Miss Mary Osborn, and they are now the parents of six children: Isaac M., Martha A., Minnie, Alvin, Thomas and Tollie. Both parents are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Wilson is a member of the Masonic order, and is secretary of his lodge.