History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 108 - 109

LEWIS T. WILSON

The surest, most unerring way of judging a man is by the estimate placed upon him by the people of the locality in which he has lived for years. One or two or even a dozen transactions with an individual may disclose a very little of his real nature. Even the most obtuse, however, of those with whom he has associated for a series of years have no difficulty in forming a proper estimate of his nature. They see him and view him from many different situations, at his work, in the family circle, at public meetings, in the church, in his moments of mirth and enjoyment, in his days of sorrow and in his periods of excitement or anger, with the result that they are able to know the man even better than he knows himself. This being conceded and Lewis T. Wilson, the subject of this review, being judged in the light above indicated, he is disclosed to be a most worthy and capable man. His neighbors and associates know what he is and the estimate they place upon him is indeed a high one. Lewis T. Wilson, who resides on his own farm, which is a part of section 31, Liberty township, and who is the subject of this review, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, January 6, 1854. His parents were James and Caroline (Thomas) Wilson, he a native of Ireland and she of New York. After the birth of the subject, the family moved to Onondaga county, New York, where they resided a number of years and in the spring of 1877 the family moved to Wexford county, Michigan, and settled on a farm in Liberty township, where they have since continued to reside. They were the parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, the subject of this review being the third child of the family. When a lad of only fourteen years Lewis T. Wilson bravely faced the world with the firm purpose of providing for himself thereafter. He sought and secured employment in various localities in New York, and although young in years, he was steadily, industrious and prudent with his money. He often visited beneath the parental roof and continued to look upon his parents' residence as his home. When the family arranged to move to Michigan he was earnestly solicited by his parents, brothers and sisters not to remain behind. He acceded to their wishes and made one of the party that came from New York that year to swell the population of Wexford county and win from fate a better fortune than they had yet known. In Michigan, as in New York, he devoted himself to farming. In Eaton county, Michigan, October 5, 1881 Lewis T. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Flora Hall, a native of New York, born in Orleans county, October 5, 1860. She is a daughter of William and Clarissa Hall, who moved to Michigan and settled in Eaton county in 1863. The father died at the age of fifty-six years, while the mother still survives. They were the parents of eight children, Mrs. Wilson being the eldest child of the family. Immediately after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson established themselves on a farm, a part of section 31, Liberty township, which they have made their home continually since that time. The farm consists of forty-six acres, nearly all clear and well improved. They are the parents of ten children, two of whom died in early life. Those living are: Herbert L., Ethel F., Clara M., Ariel E., Cebert D., Luli M., Mildred E. and Wallace H. The children are all possessed of much mental ability and in their studies at school have shown an aptitude for knowledge far above that of the average pupil. Lewis T. Wilson has always shown a keen interest in public affairs. The improvement and development of the township in which he resides absorbs much of his attention and every public enterprise receives his most hearty encouragement. He has been honored by the people of his township with the office of treasurer and he served a number of terms as school director. His character is above reproach and no man stands higher in the community than he does.