Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 941 - 942

SAMUEL M. WILSON. The late S. M. Wilson came to Kansas in 1879 with his family and located in Sedgwick County, and became one of the original settlers of Mulvane. The population was sparse at that early period, and the larger part of the inhabitants occupied primitive dwellings of logs or dugouts. Mr. Wilson built the second house in the city, which was a substantial frame structure, and which he occupied for some time.

             Immediately after coming here Mr. Wilson embarked in the furniture and undertaking business, but after giving it a thorough trial of two years, decided that his financial condition would be improved by a change of occupation. He disposed of his manufactory and salesroom, and embarked in the grain business, which was then one of the most lucrative enterprises that an inhabitant of Kansas could engage in. Mr. Wilson subsequently bought forty acres of land on section 32, Rockford Township, just one mile north of Mulvane, where he built a fine residence, in which he lived until his death, Dec. 23, 1887. This property he improved in the various ways common to people in a new country, where the soil is as fertile and productive as in this State, and it is now a very pleasant feature of the landscape of the Arkansas Valley.

             Mr. Wilson's native State was Ohio, where he was born Dec. 15, 1833, and where his early years were spent. After commencing life's battle for himself he left the Buckeye State and proceeded westward in search of fortune. Prosperity smiled on all his ventures, and by untiring industry and perseverance, he had before many years acquired sufficient means to enable him to establish a home. With this end in view he wooed and won for his bride Miss Sarah M. Bates, to whom he was married in Janesville, Wis., Dec. 31, 1856. This estimable lady was born in Lorraine, N. Y., April 16, 1841, being a daughter of Oliver A. and Elvira (Lawrence) Bates, natives of New York and of pure English origin. They are both now living, Mr. Bates being successfully engaged in the livery business, which he has followed for some years with pleasing results, as shown by the large amount of property he has accumulated.

             Our subject and his wife became the parents of six children, namely: Nellie N., born Nov. 23, 1857; Amos Wilber, Oct. 16, 1861; Samuel D., born Feb. 27, 1869; Oliver F., April 2, 1871; Lena Adel, Aug. 13, 1879; Frances Marion, May 1, 1884. Oliver died Jan. 2, 1877, and Amos October 7, the same year; Samuel was married, Jan. 9, 1888, to Miss Emma Stansburg, and they reside in Sumner County, Kan.

             Mr. Wilson took an active interest in the advancement and growth of Mulvane from the time he first became numbered among its citizens until his death, and labored hard to place it in the front rank of the leading cities of the State. He supported all feasible plans for its moral and intellectual advancement, and was also an important factor in promoting the welfare of the township in which the city is included.

             Mr. Wilson was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Wilson is also a communicant. He was an active worker in the Sunday-school, and long presided as Superintendent. Socially, he was a member of the I. O. O. F., and likewise of the United Workmen. In politics he was a straight Republican, although he never took an active part therein. 

            Mr. Wilson left a property of over 1,000 acres of land, besides village property, and his estimable widow is at present conducting the affairs of her farm and also the harness trade at Mulvane, with excellent results. She is an enterprising lady, and is demonstrating her business genius in so successfully carrying forward large financial affairs.

             The portrait of the well-known and highly respected gentleman whose name heads this article will be gladly received by the many who mourn his death. It is given on page 856. A valued citizen, a kind father and affectionate husband, his memory should be cherished and perpetuated by all.

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