My Genealogy Hound

RICE WILSON, a native of Russell County, Ky., was born December 13, 1840, the second born in a family of thirteen children of John and Jestina (Gossar) Wilson, both of whom were natives of the Blue Grass State. John Wilson was born February 15, 1816, moved with his family to Owen Township, Warrick Co. Ind. in 1848 and May 3, 1861, died in Lane Township. Mr. Wilson was one of Warrick’s best citizens, a thrifty and enterprising farmer and a man honored and esteemed for his many virtues. Rice Wilson was raised in Warrick County, receiving his education from the common schools of that day. During early manhood he taught school in conjunction with farming and February 6, 1859, he wedded Charlotte J. Madden, by whom he is the father of three sons, named James R., John W., and Elisha A. For a number of years after marriage Mr. Wilson followed agricultural pursuits; beginning poor he increased in wealth, by industry and economy, until at one time he was the owner of 220 acres of good land. He has taken considerable pains in the rearing of fine cattle and throughout life has been very successful. In 1861 he met with the misfortune of the loss of his house, together with its contents, by fire. In 1875 he was elected Recorder of the county, moving to Boonville the year following. After serving one term he was re-elected to the same office, serving in all two terms. He is a Democrat and he and wife belong to the Baptist congregation in Owen Township.