John H. Wilson

John H. Wilson, who is now living a retired life in Columbia, Monroe County, was born in this county August 8, 1819, and is a representative of one of its honored pioneer families. His father, William Wilson, was born in Washington County, KY., and when about five years old was brought to this place by Mrs. Tolbott. Here he grew to manhood, and after arriving at mature years he entered from the Government large tracts of land. He married Matilda Wallace, and then located on a farm a mile from Columbia, where in the midst of the forest he hewed out a good home, transforming wild, unimproved land into rich and fertile fields. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, seven of whom reached manhood and womanhood, while four are yet living, namely: Catherine, wife of John S. Morgan, who resides near Columbia; Deborah, of Monroe County; George and John H., both of Columbia.

Upon the old homestead farm our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the subscription schools acquired his education. When about twenty-three years of age he was appointed Deputy Sheriff of the county, and so well did he fill the position that in 1846 he was elected Sheriff for a term of two years. He proved a capable officer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. In 1848 he was again elected to the same office, and in 1851 was re-elected, filling the position for a term of eight years. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention which in 1870 framed the present constitution of the state, and served on the finance and other important committees.

In May, 1844, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Edward T. Morgan, a native of Kentucky, and one of the early settlers of Monroe County. The lady was born and reared near Columbia, and after their marriage the young couple located on a farm two miles and a-half from this place. After two years they came to the town, and Mr. Wilson embarked in general merchandising under the firm name of Wilson & Winel. This partnership continued for four years, when Mr. Wilson formed a partnership with L. Warnock, and purchased the Columbia Star Mills. He followed milling for about four years, when he sold his interest to Ernest Gross, and resumed agricultural pursuits, which he has since carried on.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson was born a son, Joshua, a lawyer of Waterloo, and the present State's Attorney for Monroe County. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and he has frequently served as a delegate to the county, congressional and state conventions of his party. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows' society, in which he has held various offices. He now has a comfortable home in Columbia, beside his valuable farm of four hundred acres. He has been a resident of Monroe County since 1819, and is therefore one of its earliest settlers and honored pioneers. Through life he has been a hard worker, and by his diligence and perseverance he has achieved success. He is a man of straightforward purpose, whose life has been characterized by honesty and he is ever spoken of in the highest terms, being respected by young and old, rich and poor.