My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Lawrence County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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George Willis Wilson is a wagon manufacturer of Peirce City, Mo., and was born in Boonville, Oneida Co., N. Y., May 24, 1853. His parents, John and Sarah (Wheelock) Wilson, were born in Windham, Conn., and New Hampshire, respectively. To them were born four children, George W., being the second son and child. At an early day he began learning the trade of carriage blacksmithing, and became thoroughly conversant with the technicalities of the business. After coming to Lawrence County, Mo., he continued to work at his trade, and in time was admitted into partnership with his father with whom he is also interested in the lime business. In connection with P. J. Lehnhard he owned the stage line that was in operation prior to the days of the railroad between Peirce City and Eureka Springs, Ark. The average time of this line was nine hours, and the distance was sixty miles. In January 1888, Mr. Wilson became sole proprietor of the wagon manufactory, and is giving this industry his entire time. He was married to Miss Arizona Brite, a daughter of Jesse and Julia (Higgs) Brite, who were born in Kentucky and North Carolina, respectively. The father came with his parents to Lawrence County in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have two children: William Harrison and Nettie B.

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This family biography is one of 272 biographies included in The History of Lawrence County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Lawrence County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Lawrence County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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