In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1875
From History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people (1915)
J. E. WILSON.
J. E. Wilson is successfully engaged in business as a general merchant of Hebron, having built up an extensive and profitable patronage. His birth occurred in this county on the 23d of January, 1875, his parents being William and Soihronia (Silverthorn) Wilson, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Wisconsin. They came to Adair county, Iowa, in early life and were married here, the mother also passing away in this county. The father still survives, however, and now makes his home in Creston. They had three children, namely: Bertlia C., who gave her hand in marriage to J. M. Folk; William, who is deceased; and J. E., of this review.
The last named was reared by his grandparents from the time he was ten days old and received his education in the common schools. After attaining his majority he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for six years and then purchased a tract of land on section 2, Union township, which he cultivated for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he traded the property for a store at Hebron and has conducted the enterprise continuously to the present time, handling all kinds of merchandise and being accorded an excellent patronage. He carries a well selected stock of goods, which he sells at reasonable prices, and enjoys an enviable reputation as an enterprising, reliable and progressive merchant.
In 1896 Mr. Wilson was limited in marriage to Miss Minnie Rosenbaugh, a native of Jasper county, Iowa, and a daughter of Philip and Wilhelmina (Metz) Rosenbaugh, both of whom were born in Germany. They emigrated to the United
[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]
Mr. Wilson is a stanch republican in politics and has ably served as school director and road supervisor, acting in the latter capacity for nine years. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Lutheran church. He has always been a resident of this county and is a man whose upright and honorable life has won him the warm regard and esteem of his associates.
As printed in History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1915. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.