My Genealogy Hound

WASHINGTON H. WILSON. The large and highly respected Wilson family, of which the subject of this sketch is a most worthy representative, has for many years been widely and favorably known in this part of Ohio and is looked upon as belonging to its best elements. He with whose name we initiate this notice is one of the substantial farmers of Harmony Township, Clark County, where he operates successfully as a tiller of the soil and a breeder of fine stock. He is a native of this township and was born June 26, 1850, within a mile of the homestead which he now owns and occupies. His father, Michael Wilson, was born in Greene County, this State, in 1814, and married Miss Vina Henry, who was born in Springfield in December, 1816.

Michael Wilson, when a comparatively young man, came to Clark County and took up his residence in the eastern part of Harmony Township, which remained his home until his death, February 11, 1880. He was shrewd and capable as a financier and accumulated over one thousand acres of land, leaving to his heirs a fine estate. The parental family included twelve children, viz: Jasper, who served during the Civil War in the Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry; James, Elizabeth, Jefferson, who served in the same regiment as his brother Jasper, and was killed at Chickamauga; Johnson, who was a member of the Forty fifth Ohio Infantry; Michael; Lavina, who was the wife of Edward West, and who is now deceased; Washington H., our subject; Emma D. and Anna, both deceased; Fremont and Stillman. Both parents were members in good standing of the Christian Church. The elder Wilson was an extensive sheep-grower, an industry from which he realized handsome returns.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Michael Wilson, who was born in Kentucky and who emigrated to Greene County, this State an early day. Thence he removed to Clark County where he spent his last years. He was a farmer by occupation and accumulated a comfortable property. His three sons were named, Washington, Michael and Hiram. The latter died young. Both father and sons originally belonged to the old Whig party but later joined the Republicans.

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject came from England and his wife from Ireland. He died in Greene County, this State. Washington H., of whom we write, spent his boyhood and youth on the farm with his parents attending the district school and assisting his father until reaching his majority. He then began farming on his own account, locating where he now resides. He makes a specialty of sheep and corn, having of the former about six hundred head.

On the 11th of February, 1875, Mr. Wilson took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Frances L., daughter of James and Mehitable (Girard) Porter. Mrs. Wilson was born in Madison County, this State, February 1, 1852, and spent her early life in a comparatively uneventful manner under the parental roof and receiving such education as was afforded by the common schools. Of her union with our subject there have been born four children, viz: Porter M., Charles B., Nina E. and Washington G. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are prominently connected with the Christian Church and Mr. Wilson belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant and remains an earnest supporter of the Republican party.