Source: PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL
Originally published 1885
Chapman Bros.
Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page(s): 696 & 699

Griffin W. Wilson, farmer, section 1, Newton Township, was born in Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., March 27, 1827. He is the eldest son of Ashley and Lorinda (Graves) Wilson, who were natives of the State of New York. They located in Chautauqua County about the year 1825, where the father secured a claim of timber and improved a farm. In 1841, they went to Ohio, settling in Lake County, where they resided about five years, after which another removal was effected, to La Porte Co., Ind., where the parents died.

Mr. Wilson was an inmate of the parental household until his marriage in 1854, to Pheobe Layman. She was born in La Porte County,and is the daughter of Joshua and Eliza (Travis) Layman. Her parents were natives of the empire State.

In 1856 Mr. Wilson came to Newton township. He settled on "Slocum Street," where he purchased a farm, and carried on agricultural operations until 1860. In that year he boght 160 acres on section 1. About 80 acres had been broken and a small house had been built. Mr. Wilson has improved the entire acreage, and erected excellent farm buildings. He has since made a purchase of the southeast quarter, and is the owner of the entire eastern half of the section. On the latter he has built the necessary structures, including a dwelling, where he is now living. The place is in fine condition, and its value and appearance are considerably enhanced by the shrubs and ornamental trees hich the owner has planted. He raises grain and stock, and is engaged in mixed husbandry. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the United Brethren Chruch, which is located in Garden Plains Township. The record of their children is as follows: Ord A. married Anna C. Hanson, and they have three children: Seth A., Daniel A. and Clara V. A sketch of the life of Mr. Hanson may be found on another page. Frank E. married Mattie Crump; they have one child, Joseph L. Herbert W. is the name of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson's youngest child.

End.