William Finley Wilson

As printed in 1901

WILIJAM FINLEY WILSON.

'illiani Finley W'il.-on, who was familiarly known as Finley by his numerous friends, came to this county in March, 1865. and throughout the remainder of his life was recognized as one of its valued and useful citizens. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 18th of March, 1830, and was a son of William Wilson, who was also a native of the Ke\- stone state, and was engaged in farming in Westmoreland county for some years. Init in 1839 removed with his family to Washington county, Ohio, where he opened up a farm.

Finlev Wilson grew to manhood in that county, and assisted his father in the arduous task of clearing and improving the farm. His educational advantages were somewhat limited. He was married April 15, 1858, in 'washington county, Ohio, to Miss Lucy A. Dunbar, a native of Massachusetts, which state was also the birthplace of her parents. Stephen and Lucy (Cutler) Dunbar. The father was Lwrn near North Amherst, in 1804, and was a son of Josiah Dunbar, also a native of Massachusetts, and a soldier of the war of 1812. Mrs. Wilson's maternal grandfather, Joseph Cutler, also belonged to one of the pioneer families of the old Bay state. Her father, who was a wagonmaker liy trade, removed to Ohio in 1839, and after spending a short time in Morgan county settled in Washington county, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons until coming to Iowa in 1885. He spent his last years with ]Mrs. 'wilson in Linn county, where he died April 2. 1891, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. His first wile died in Athens. Ohio, when Mrs. Wilson was quite small, and he subsequently married again.

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1863, ami returned to his linie in Wash-

It was in the spring of 1865 that he removed with his family to Linn county. Iowa, and purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres in Brown township, one mile east of Springville. There was an old log cabin upon the place, and everything was in a rather dilapidated condition, but he at once commenced its improvement. erecting thereon a good house, barn and other outbuildings. Subsequently he bought another farm at Xew Linden, one mile east of Springville, consisting of eighty acres, on which he made his home during the remainder of his active business life. He erected a pleasant residence upon this place, and made many other valuable iiTqirovements, which added greatly to its beauty and worth. In 1896 he bought residence property in Springville. and there lived retired until his death, which occurred October 3, 1898. He had little capital on coming to this state, and his success was due entirely to his industry, perseverance and good management, and the assistance of his estimable wife, who aided and encouraged him in ever)- possible manner.

Unto this worthy couple were born five children, namely: Emma, who died at the age of seventeen years; Albert D., who died at the age of twelve years; Ella, who died at the age of nine: Roljert, who married Minnie Pollock, and is engaged in farming in Brown township, and they have five children. Cecil, Lee, Edith, Hattie and Anna; Hattie R. is the wife of Willi m Pollock, a brother of Mrs. Robert Wilson, who is also a farmer of Brown township, and they are the parents of seven children. Florintha. Till mias, Elma, Lucy, Clinton, Edgar and Albert.

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As printed in Biographical records of Linn County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.