My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD RANDOLPH WILSON, a prominent farmer living on section 11, township 44, range 23, Pettis County, was born in Chester County, Pa., in 1845. He was the fifth child born to his parents, William and Margaret (Monaghan) Wilson, both of whom were also natives of the Keystone State, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a substantial farmer and continued to till the soil until his decease, which occurred in 1889. His good wife departed this life in 1845.

Edward R. Wilson was given the advantage of a common-school education. As his mother died when he was an infant, he was reared by his father and stepmother, and received thorough training in the duties of farm life. He remained an inmate of the old home until nineteen or twenty years of age, when he determined to strike out for himself. He accordingly made his way to this state, of which he had heard much, and for one year lived in Louisiana, Pike County. As he was not possessed of sufficient means to purchase land, he returned home and worked until 1868. That year we find him living on a tract of land near where his present fine farm is located, giving his attention to farm pursuits. He has made his home in Pettis County since locating here, with the exception of two years when cultivating a tract of land in Pike County. He is now the manager of a beautifully equipped homestead, the property of his uncle, R. E. Monaghan, of Pennsylvania, and is classed among the prominent stock-growers and shippers of the county.

The lady who became the wife of our subject in 1870 was Miss Emma, daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Pharr) Diamond, natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Wilson was born in Peoria County, Ill., in 1846, and by her union with our subject became the mother of six children, all of whom are living and named, respectively, William, Mabel, Emmett, Frank, Orval and Edward R. The mother of this family was called home in 1891. Our subject is a member of the Congregational Church, in the work of which he takes quite a prominent part. In politics he is a Democrat, but is not an aspirant for office, much preferring the duties of civil life to the turmoil of politics. Always just and considerate of the rights of others, and conscientious in his observance of all the proprieties of life, he has made many friends, whose respect increases with more intimate acquaintance.