My Genealogy Hound

ALEXANDER WILSON was for many years a leading and influential citizen of Randolph County. Here he was born and reared, and here he spent his entire life. He comes of a family of Irish lineage, his grandfather, Alexander Wilson, having been a native of the Emerald Isle. He was also the founder of the family in America. After his emigration to this country, he took up his residence in Randolph County, where he spent his remaining days.

Foster Wilson, the father of our subject, was born in this county, and by occupation was a farmer. Throughout life he followed that pursuit, and in his undertakings met with good success. His death occurred about the year 1880. He married Rachel Stephenson, also a native of Illinois, as were her parents. She was called to her final rest in the year 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born three children: Alexander, whose name heads this record; Margaret T., who became the wife of James Anderson, and died leaving four children, Nancy, Alex (deceased), William and Lorene, of Sparta; and John, the youngest, who died at the age of seventeen.

Alexander Wilson was born in 1843, and remained with his parents on the farm until after his mother’s death. At the age of eight years he went to live with his uncle, Isaac Nelson, with whom he continued until 1864, when, having attained his majority, he started out in life for himself. He followed various employments, but the greater part of his time and attention were devoted to farming. When the war broke out he responded to the country’s call for troops, and did valiant service as one of the boys in blue of Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry.

On the 24th of October, 1867, Mr. Wilson and Miss Elizabeth Lawson were united in marriage, and by their union were born nine children: Louisa, wife of Charles Thompson; Jessie and Ella, who are in St. Louis; Maggie, at home; John Alex, who died at the age of nine years; Mattie, at home; and three who died in infancy. The father of this family continued his agricultural pursuits for a number of years, and by good management, industry and enterprise acquired a comfortable competence. He never took a very prominent part in public affairs, but was always found on the side of those enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare. In politics, he was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and socially was connected with the Grand Army of the Republic. He was alike true to his country in times of peace and in war, and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed. His death occurred February 26, 1884, and was deeply mourned by many friends, who held him in high regard.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Wilson married James B. Anderson, who was born in Randolph County in 1826, on a farm southeast of Sparta. There he spent his entire life with the exception of a short time passed in Pittsburgh, where he worked in a cotton factory. By occupation he was a farmer. He started out in life for himself empty-handed, and not only provided for his own wants, but also supported his mother, giving her a home until her death. He first married Matilda Nimock, and unto them were born two sons, one who died in early childhood, and James, who died at the age of twenty-one. By the second marriage there was a daughter, Mary, who died when only three weeks old.

In his political views, Mr. Anderson was a Republican, and took quite an active part in local politics. For several years he served as School Trustee, and was an efficient officer. He held membership with the Presbyterian Church, and served as Elder for some time. He took quite an active part in church and benevolent work, and was always found on the side of right. He was called to his final rest July 12, 1893.