My Genealogy Hound

JOHN H. WILSON occupies a leading position among the merchant tailors of Springfield, his establishment being the center of a large trade, a fine stock of both imported and American cloths being carried, while skilled workmen, under the supervision of the proprietor who is thoroughly conversant with the tailor’s trade, cut, fit and make garments in first class style. The home of Mr. Wilson is on a fine farm, three miles north of the city on the Urbana Pike, and he drives to and fro night and morning. “Spruce Lawn” is a model farm, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of choice land, and bearing as good improvements as the township affords. The large barn is built after the best models, and there are two smaller ones in which the horses are kept. The residence if a substantial and homelike structure, surrounded by beautifully kept lawns and decorated grounds, the whole forming a home whose possession might satisfy the most ambitious.

In County Down, Ireland, not far from the city of Belfast, the gentleman of whom we write was born February 18, 1850. His father is Robert H. Wilson, a son of Carlisle, and a grandson of Robert, all of whom were farmers, and life-long residents of their native land. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Hamilton, and is a daughter of Robert Hamilton, and a granddaughter of a gentleman bearing the same name, these ancestors also living in County Down. In the common schools of his native county, young Wilson pursued his studies until the age of ten years, when he began an apprenticeship at the trade of a tailor. His endeavors to acquire knowledge did not cease when he left the school-room, but have been continued throughout his life by personal investigation and study.

After serving seven years as an apprentice, Mr. Wilson began his travels as a journeyman, visiting Wales, Scotland, and noted cities of England, including Liverpool, Manchester and others. He finally determined to come to America, and setting sail from Liverpool, arrived in New York June 21, 1870. The following morning he began work at his trade, remaining in the metropolis until the spring of 1872. During a portion of the time he was cutter in the house of Davidson & McKee, on Hudson Street. Upon leaving New York, Mr. Wilson came to Springfield, entering the employ of C. W. Vandegrift as cutter, and afterward being employed by H. M. Sheppard. In 1877 he opened a business for himself on Main Street, still occupying the same premises, but with enlarged capacity and business. His thorough knowledge of all branches of tailoring has been a prime factor in his success, although his business tact and square dealing have greatly assisted.

Mr. Wilson has been twice married. The first ceremony took place July 23, 1874, the bride being Miss Emma Lohner, of this city, in which she was born, educated and reared to womanhood. With her our subject lived happily until June 4, 1880, when she breathed her last, leaving a son, Robert J., two years old. After having remained a widower for nearly a decade, Mr. Wilson contracted a second matrimonial alliance, being joined in wedlock with Martha E. Mowatt, August 15, 1889. The present Mrs. Wilson is of Scotch descent, was born in Springfield, and is the daughter of James Mowatt. She has received excellent advantages in education and home training, and possesses many virtues, and much useful knowledge. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Under her careful oversight the beautiful home is ever neatly and tastefully arranged, the table well supplied with appetizing food, and guests beneath its roof find every effort made for their comfort and happiness. In connection with this biographical record appears a lithographic portrait* of Mr. Wilson, whose personal traits of character have won for him popularity in society, while the success which has met his efforts in worldly affairs is considered a just meed of his industry and skill.

*A portrait was included in the original printed volume.