Sanford L. Wilson

As printed in 1910

SANFORD L. WILSON.

Admired and respected for his general intelligence, as well as for his sterling qualities as a neighbor and a citizen, no man in Independence township stands higher in public esteem than the worthy individual the salient facts of whose life and characteristics are herein set forth. Sanford L. Wilson was born on February 21, 1873, 'm Fremont county, Iowa, and is a son of Jerry and Caroline (Sharpe) Wilson, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Missouri. Mrs. Wilson's father, James Sharpe, having been an early pioneer of this state, where both he and his wife died. The subject’s paternal grandparents were Jerry and Elizabeth (Lockett) Wilson, who were early settlers of the state of Indiana, subsequently coming to Iowa, where his death occurred, after which event his widow came to Missouri, and died here. The subject’s father, Jerry Wilson, was quite young when he came West with his parents, who first located in Fremont county, Iowa, later removing to Taylor county, that state, and still later to Gentry county, Missouri, where his death occurred in May, 1904. His widow is now living in Gentryville. Gentry county- They became the parents of nine children, of which number eight are living. Jerry Wilson was by vocation a farmer, and at all times commanded the respect of those who knew him, his life having been characterized by strict personal integrity and honesty of purpose. In politics, he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, while, religiously, he and his wife were members of the Christian church.

Sanford L. Wilson was reared by his parents and received a good, practical common-school education. He early became accustomed to farm labor and has always devoted himself to that line of effort. In 1898 he left Taylor county, Iowa, and came to Nodaway county, Missouri. Here for two years he farmer on rented land and then bought eighty acres of land in Independence township, where he now resides, to which he added forty acres, owning now a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Here he has carried on general farming, in which he has met with well-deserved success, and in connection with which he has devoted considerable attention to the breeding and raising of draft horses, with gratifying results. He evinces a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness which is sure to win success in any line and among his fellow agriculturists he enjoys a good reputation because of his energy, industry and practical methods. His place is well improved and stands in unmistakable evidence of the good judgment and industrious habits of the owner.

On February 22, 1899, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Nellie Risser. who was born July 17, t 873. in Fremont county, Colorado, a daughter of Jacob and Jane Ann (Locke) Risser. These parents were natives, respectively. of Germany and Pennsylvania, the father having, on coming to America, located first in Indiana, and later moving to Illinois, where his marriage occurred. Later he and his wife went to Colorado, where they resided until 1882, when they came to Nodaway county and bought land in Independence township. He added to his original farm until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. He is now dead and his widow is living on the home farm. Mr. Risser was a stanch Republican and he and his wife were faithful members of the Christian church. They were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born four children, Cleva, Truman, Neva and Dola, all of whom are living.

Politically, Mr. Wilson renders an earnest support to the Democratic party and he takes a commendable interest in local public affairs, though not an office seeker. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Christian church, to which they give an earnest and liberal support. Personally, Mr. Wilson is genial and friendly, easily makes friends, and is held in high esteem in the community, to the best interests of which he at all times gives his support.

As printed in Past and present of Nodaway County, Missouri (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.