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Below is a family biography included in The History of Weakley County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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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W. H. Wilson, a farmer of Weakley County, Tenn., was born in 1848, one of four children of W. P. and Mary E. Wilson, both born in Tennessee, the former in 1816 and the latter in 1821. The father came to Weakley County when a small boy, and served in the late war as colonel in the Federal Army. He was severely wounded in the spinal column during a battle, which disabled him for life. He is now living with our subject. The mother died in 1862. Our subject was reared at home, and educated in the Dresden Academy under Profs. Herbert and Bigle. In 1879 he married Willie Fields, daughter of Dr. James Fields. She was born in Missouri, in 1861, and departed this life in February, 1885, leaving three children: William J., Cecil L. and Verna B. Mr. Wilson owns 154 acres of land, on which he located immediately after marriage. Besides the homestead he owns 185 acres near Dresden, and 175 acres in the Third District. In 1882 he was elected to the office of magistrate, and still holds the position. He is well and favorably known throughout the county, and is a good neighbor and citizen. He is a Republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant.

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This family biography is one of 108 biographies included in The History of Weakley County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Weakley County was included within The History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley & Lake Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley, and Lake Counties of Tennessee

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