Mark Willson

As printed in 1894

MARK WILLSON is President of the Merchants' Bank of Winona, and one of the leading financiers of Winona County. His connection with the banking interests of this community has continued since 1868, and the institution of which he is now the head has become one of the solid financial concerns of the city. Mr. Willson is a native of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, born FebruaiT 27, 1820, and is the only son of.John I. and Mary Willson. His parents removed to western Pennsylvania in 1824, locating at Sugar Grove, Warren County, where they spent their remaining days. The family there lived until 1863.

Mark Willson was reared in his father's home, and on entering upon a business career embarked in merchandising, which he followed in the Keystone State until 1863. He has also been prominently connected with political affairs, and has ever discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity which have won for him the commendation of all concerned. On attaining his majority he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position he filled for the long period of twenty-five years. He also served as Postmaster and in other offices, and was erer true and faithful to the trust reposed in him. His loy'alty to friends and to public trust is one of his chief characteristics. '

In 18.53 Mr. Willson was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hallock, of New York City. Ten j-ears later he severed his business connections in the East,.and sought a home in Minnesota, going first to Hastings, where he had friends living. There he opened a mercantile establishment and carried on business for three years. During that time he served.as Mayor of Hastings for one year.

In 1866 he brought his family to Winona, where they Lave since resided, being numbered among the prominent citizens of the community. Here Mr. Willson carried on a dry-goods store for two years, when, in 1868, he disposed of his business and became connected with banlting interests. He took an active part in the organization of the Second National Bank, which began business April 29, 1871, with a capital stock of 1100,000. He was elected a Director, and in October was made Assistant Cashier, which office he tilled until January, 1873, when he was elected Vice-President. In January, 1875, he resigned that position and aided in the organization, on the 18th of May, of the Merchants' National Bank of Winona, of which he became President and also member of the Board of Directors. On the ist of July, 1879, it was voted to change the organization from a national to a state bank, under the laws of Minnesota, and to transfer its entire business to the new organization. The Merchants' Bank of Winona sprang into existence in August, 1879, and Mr. Willson has since been its President. The success of the institution is largely due to his untiring efforts.

In his political views Mr. Willson is a stanch Republican, having supported the principles of his party since its organization. He is an exemplary and public-spirited man, in whom the best interests of the community And a friend. His success in business is owing to careful attention to all details, diligence and enterprise, and his prosperity is well deserved.

Edson Gates.

As printed in Portrait and biographical record of Winona county, Minnesota. Containing biographical sketches of prominent ... citizens .. (1894). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.