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Biographical sketch of FRED P. WILSON from the book entitled, "Biographical Memoirs of Saint Clair County, Michigan," published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Publishers in Logansport, Indiana.
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This bio spans three (3) pages: 580-582
FRED P. WILSON
In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business or professional man there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgement, conquers adversity and, toiling on, finally wins not only pecuniary independence, but, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom he has spend his active years.
The subject of this sketch, Fred P. Wilson, postmaster, merchant and farmer, was born in Columbus township, St. Clair county, Michigan, March 13, 1859, the son of Robert Wilson, of Middlesex county, New Jersey, and the grandson of Freeman Robert Wilson. The father, Robert Wilson, was married first to a Miss Fenton, to which union four children were born; Miranda, wife of Henry Wheeler, a resident of Isabelle county, Michigan; Sarah, married to George W. Tappen, living in New Brunswick, New Jersey; Catherine, the wife of Richard Miner, lives in Allegan county, Michigan, and Edward J., deceased. Mr. Wilson’s second marriage was to Sophia Bindewaldt, of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the United States with friends and settled in Detroit, where she was married. Robert Wilson left New Jersey at the age of fifteen years and went to the state of New York, where he remained but a short time. Upon leaving that state he went to Fort Sumter, where he was employed in building the fort. By trade he was a stone-mason and also a civil engineer, and for some years worked at these trades in different parts of the country. Subsequently he came to Michigan and settled at Kalamazoo. He had been induced to come to this state by his brother, Edward, but, not liking the place, he remained but a short time. Upon leaving Kalamazoo he went to Detroit, and later, in 1833, he came to St. Clair county and took up land in section 33, Columbus township, on which land he erected a cabin and established his family. The father worked in the woods during the winter months and in the summer worked at his trade, that of stone-mason, clearing his land at odd times. The life was a hard one, and it seemed that he must surely fail, but the plucky man kept steadily at work, and in the end possessed one of the finest farms in the township. By degrees he added to his first possessions, and finally owned one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. He was a man of exceptional fortitude, and it was owing solely to his determination to win that he was at last able to gain a foothold in the new country. In his later years, when the strain of establishing a home in the wilderness was no longer upon him, he became a close student of politics, and was in his time one of the leading politicians of the county. His vote was always cast with the Democratic party, and, while he never held office himself, he was instrumental in helping into office many of his friends and neighbors. At his death, in February, 1867, he was mourned by a wide circle of friends and neighbors, who in life had often benefited by his sage advice and wise counsel. By his second marriage he was the father of three children: Lena, the wife of Joseph Lambert, a farmer and coal dealer of Smith Creek; Fred P., the subject and Mary, the wife of Charles Fitz, a farmer of Wales township.
Fred P. Wilson received his education in the township schools of St. Clair county. He always lived at home, and assisted his father on the farm until the latter’s death. In 1867 the mother and family came to Smith Creek, where she bought eighty acres of land, comprising her present home. In the spring of 1887 the subject purchased the general store of W. R. Gillett, at Smith Creek, and since that time he has been identified with the mercantile interests of the village. He was later appointed postmaster of Smith Creek, and now has the post office located in his store. He was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hubble, of St. Clair township, November 15, 1866. He has become a farmer, as well as merchant, and now owns forty acres of farm land in Kimball township, where he carries on general farming, grains being a specialty with him. He is the father of the following children: Fred H., Henry M., Stanley, George G., who died at the age of eight months, Mark and Maud. Mr. Wilson and family are among the most respected and popular residents of the county, and for integrity and honesty and noted throughout the township. The subject has always been a Republican, although reared a Democrat. Under the administration of his party he has held several offices, including those of school inspector, member of the school board and township treasurer, which last office he held in Kimball township for four years. He is an active worker in the party, and is counted one of the staunchest supporters of the platform. He is a member of several lodges, in all of which he is very popular, and in whose work he is very active, being affiliates with the blue lodge and Memphis Chapter, F. &. A. M.; Lodge No. 243, B. P. O. E., of Port Huron; Eagle Tent, K. O. T. M. [Knights of the Maccabees], of Smith Creek, and the M. O. W. of Smith Creek.
Mr. Wilson is one of the most genial and whole-souled men in the township and to know him is to be his friend. His intelligence and business ability have won for him many staunch friends, and he is looked upon as one of the most progressive citizens of the township. Being well informed on the issues of the day, he is always an authority on public questions. The family are among the best respected and most popular in the county, than which no higher compliment can be paid them.
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PLEASE NOTE: I do not have any personal interest in researching the WILSON surname or the St. Clair county, Michigan location. I am merely posting a select number of the biographical sketches found in the above-referenced book *upon specific written request* as a service to the genealogical community; these transcriptions are intended for personal use and are not being done for profit. Please do not contact me with regard to research interests in the above as I have no personal ties. Thank you.
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