Francis M. Wilson, cashier of the State Bank of Soldier, was born Aug. 10, 1859, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, son of Francis M. and Susan (Logan) Wilson. The parents were of Scotch and Irish descent, and the paternal grandfather was a native of the old country. Francis M. Wilson, Sr., was born in Indiana and was engaged in farming eighty acres of land which he owned there. About 1856 he married Miss Susan Logan and in 1866 removed to Kansas, settling in Pottawatomie county. He remained there and in Jackson county, with the exception of a short interval in Missouri, until his death in 1883. Mrs. Wilson still survives and resides in Jackson county.

Francis M. Wilson, Jr., removed with his parents to Kansas at the age of seven years and remained with them until his majority. On August 10, 1877, he hauled the first load of lumber from Holton to start what is now the flourishing town of Soldier and was engaged for some time thereafter in hauling between these points. He worked at painting and paper hanging in this vicinity about fourteen years. In 1883 Mr. Wilson married Miss May, daughter of William and Mary Sleet, of Kentucky. Of their union were born seven children—Crilla M., Ethel G., Nanie S., Allan F., Reginald L., Merton C. and Pauline D. Mr. Wilson was elected assistant cashier of the Bank of Soldier in 1895, which place he held until 1898, when he succeeded to cashier and has held this position the past twelve years. In connection with his banking business he handles insurance and real estate, thus promoting the interests of the bank, as well as being instrumental in aiding prosperity in Soldier and the surrounding country by encouraging immigration to that part of the state. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, belongs to two fraternal orders—the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America—and holds membership in the Christian church.