J. O. Wilson

J. O. WILSON, a gentleman prominent in banking circles in Labette county, Kansas, has had charge of the Mound Valley Bank since 1889, and is a gentleman of high standing in the community. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1844, and is a son of Peter and Dency (Wheadon) Wilson.

Peter Wilson was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1817, and died January 1, 1870, on the farm on which he was born. He married Dency Wheadon, a native of New York, and they reared the following offspring: Nancy J.; J.0.; A.W., a farmer in Ohio; and I.F.

J. O. Wilson was brought up on a farm and lived at home until 1862, when he enlisted in Company B, 115th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was discharged July 5, 1865. He then returned to his home in Ohio, and attended the public schools. He was next a pupil in Mount Union College for two years, after which he taught school. He was a teacher in Illinois for one and a half years, after which he returned to Ohio, and farmed until 1872. In that year he came west to Kansas, and located at Neodesha, Wilson county, where he taught school for two years. He was then engaged in the mercantile business there for four years, at the end of which time he moved to Elk county, and was engaged in a similar line until 1880. He returned to Neodesha, where he was employed in the Neodesha Savings Bank two and a half years. Later he went to Illinois and there resided until 1884. He again returned to Neodesha, and accepted the appointment of assistant postmaster of that town, which office he filled until 1885. In September, 1886, he moved to Oswego, Kansas, entered the private bank of C. M. Condon, and has since been identified with the banking business. Mr. Wilson took charge of the Mound Valley Bank in 1889, and since that time has resided here. He is a very shrewd business man, and has handled the affairs of the bank in a most capable manner.

In 1873 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Josephine P. Rice, and they reared three children: Arthur R., who is in the banking business in Coffeyville, Kansas; Cora J., deceased; and Ernest H., who is now attending college. Mrs, Wilson died in 1883.

In 1889 Mr. Wilson married Mrs. A. R. Hickenbottom, who served as county superintendent of schools for two years. They became the parents of one daughter, Josephine, who lives at home. Fraternally, Mr. Wilson is a member of Oswego Lodge, A. 0. U. W., and of the Knights and Ladies of Security, of Mound Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian church, of Mound Valley. In political belief, Mr. Wilson is a stanch Republican. He gives his support and influence to that party, but does not aspire to any political office.