Born in Canaan, Indiana, July 16, 1842, and came to Jefferson County, Iowa, with his parents when sixteen months old. He attended a school taught by William Kivett, one of the earliest settlers of Madison county, the schoolhouse being located on land which Mr. Wilson afterward owned. He started out in the business world as a farm boy and was employed at farm labor and in a sawmill until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. In 1862 he joined Company I of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, and lost the forefinger on his left hand through dropping a loaded revolver which was accidentally discharged. After the war he returned to his home and during the succeeding winter again attended the district school. The following spring he started with ox teams and provisions for Pike's Peak and after disposing of the provisions he engaged in hauling logs to a sawmill and then in hauling lumber into Denver. Mr. Wilson returned home and the next spring began breaking prairie with ox teams for William Early. He led a most busy and active life and was willing to do any work that would yield him an honest living. He settled in Union township, Adair county, in 1853, where his home continued to be until the time of his death. In 1869, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Laura M. Darby, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, January 3, 1843. In his political views Mr. Wilson was an earnest advocate of republican principles, active in the work of the party, and in 1899 he was elected from Adair county as representative of the district in the state legislature. He was a very progressive man, interested in the welfare and development of the community, and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further plans and projects for the public good. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1895· He had previously given the land upon which the church edifice was erected and he served as church steward. He also held local political offices, acting as township trustee, as assessor and as a member of the county board of supervisors for six years. While returning to his home from Macksburg he was struck by lightning and his life was thus ended. He had a wide acquaintance and all who knew him recognized in him the possession of many sterling traits of heart and mind. Wherever he was known he was held in high esteem and most of all where he was best known, and his many good qualities endeared him to those with whom he came in contact.