John F. Wilson

As printed in 1906

JOHN F. WILSON. Among the younger business men of St. Joseph is numbered John F. Wilson, who is conducting a bakery here. He is one of the native sons of this city, his birth having occurred on the 2d of January, 1874. His father, John W. Wilson, was born in New York on the 1 6th of November, 1832, and was one of a large family. During his boyhood days his parents removed to Michigan, settling in Warren, Macomb county, where he was reared to manhood. In 1855, in company with Thomas Rimes of St, Joseph, he came to this city in a fishing smack, which left port at a point on Lake St. Clair. For several years he followed the business of fishing. In 1865 he turned his attention to the bakery business on Ship street, where the Zordell harness shop is now located. Subsequently he removed to the Preston building and there purchased from John Wilkinson a bakery and restaurant business conducted in the Wilkinson Hall, a frame building on State street, where now stands the Martin Block. When this building was torn down Mr. Wilson removed to a building located on the site of the John Kibler Block and afterward to a building just across the street, which was destroyed by fire in September, 1 90 1. A few years ago, however, the stock was removed to the Economy Block and Mr. Wilson retired from active business at that time, being succeeded by his son, John F. Wilson. He was for many years a prominent and enterprising business man of the city and his name is closely associated with the early commercial development here. John W. Wilson was married in St. Joseph on the 2 1 St of August, 1860, to Miss Susan Maria Olds, and unto them were born five sons and a daughter. In community affairs Mr. Wilson was actively interested, rejoicing in the advancement made by his adopted city and assisting in as far as possible in the work of public improvement and upbuilding. He creditably served as a member of the board of city aldermen from the first ward for two years, beginning in April, 1899. He led a life of well directed activity and actuated by a spirit of service in behalf of his family and his community. He died January 25, 1903, respected by all who knew him. The members of the family are: Hurlbut O., a resident of St. Joseph; W. L.; Mrs. John Eklund, who is living in this city; John F.; Charles E., who resides in White Cloud, Michigan, and Harry Lee, whose home is in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

John F. Wilson was reared in St. Joseph, where he has spent his entire life. His education was largely acquired in the public schools here although he also pursued a commercial course in Benton Harbor College. At an early age he entered the employ of his father and learned the bakery business, which he mastered both in principle and detail. He continued with his father until the latter's retirement from business life, when he became his successor and is now proprietor of a good bakery. His business has constantly grown and he has now a gratifying trade. He is respected by all not alone because of the success he has achieved but also by reason of the straightforward, honorable methods that he has ever followed.

In 1898 in the city of his nativity Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Dora A. Foltz, who was born in Bremen, Indiana. They have one child, John Charles, whose birth occurred in St. Joseph, October 26, 1905. Mr. Wilson is independent in his political views. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has taken the various degrees up to and including those of the council. He is likewise connected with the Eastern Star and his name is one of the membership rolls of the

As printed in A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.