My Genealogy Hound

JAMES PILSON, deceased. Mr. Pilson was born in April, 1796, in Augusta County, Va. His parents were Samuel and Dorcas Pilson, who emigrated from Virginia to what is now known as Jefferson Township, Brown County, in 1807. Samuel and family settled in the eastern portion of Jefferson Township on the waters of Eagle Creek, where he remained until his death, which occurred in October, 1848. His wife died before him in November, 1840. James our subject, when a young man taught school for a short time. When twenty years old, he was appointed Surveyor by the court of Adams County, and subsequently was appointed Surveyor of Brown County. In 1831-32, he was a member of the House of Representatives, having defeated his opponent, Jesse R. Grant, father of ex-President Grant. In 1834-35, he represented Adams and Brown County, in the State Senate. He was for many years part proprietor and subsequently sole proprietor of the steam grist mill near his home on Eagle Creek, and for many years was Brigadier General of the home militia. He was a man of shrewd business capacity, of sterling integrity and reliable character. In 1842, he went on a journey to Virginia, and by way of introduction to President John Tyler, he received a letter from Gen. Hamer, at the time ex-Member of Congress; but taking a route other than by Washington City, he had not the pleasure of meeting with the President. This letter has by his son Samuel been preserved as a memento. He died April 14, 1880. Samuel Pilson, son of James, our subject, was born March 7, 1843, in what is now known as Jefferson Township, Brown County. His youth was spent on both the farm and in his father’s mill, of which he was for ten years prior to his father’s death, superintendent. In November, 1880, he married Melinda Darlington, daughter of Joseph E. and Melinda Darlington. The Darlingtons originally came from Virginia. They have one child — James E. Mr. Pilson is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Russellville, a Republican, and the owner of 130 acres of land.