Andrew Wilson, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Andrew Wilson
ANDREW WILSON. Descended from the sturdy race for which Sweden has ever been noted, Andrew Wilson is proud to claim that country as his native land. He was born in Sweden on April 24, 1845, a son of Olson Wilson. The latter died in the old country, and his widow came to the United States in 1897. Her son, the subject of this sketch, came to America in 1870. He had been confirmed in the church of Sweden and thoroughly educated in his own language. He was not so familiar with the English language, but his facility in picking it up soon put him at ease with his new neighbors.
He located in Illinois and found employment in railroad grading. He was a contractor on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and handled large enterprises in the way of extensions and rebuilding work, both on the main line and branches. Railroad work in this branch is arduous because it is always done with a rush, and there is temptation to skimp. Mr. Wilson's work, however, was always done on time and done honestly measuring up to the mark in every requirement. There was general regret when he decided to give up his contracting work and retire to the more uneventful life of a farmer.
This he did when he was married in 1874, to Mary Anderson, a sister of Charles A. Anderson. They located at one on a farm in Jackson township, and made it their home thenceforward. The property comprises one hundred and twenty acres and is regarded as an exceptionally well cared for and cultivated country place. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson there were born three children, Amanda, Frank and Emma. The first two are married, and Frank resides in Washington township. The younger daughter, Emma, is at home.
Mr. Wilson is Republican in politics. He has the very highest standing among his neighbors and friends, all of whom would trust him implicitly in word and deed. His life has been an open book, regulated by the manly attributes of honesty and integrity, and now in his years of maturity he enjoys that esteem and regard which is never acquired through worldly attainments but only through true personal worth. An honest man has ever been esteemed as the noblest work of God, and Andrew Wilson is and ever has been an honest man.
Source: Lewis Publishing Company. 1912. History of Porter County, Indiana: A Narrative Account of its Historical Progress, its People and its Principal Interests. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. 881 p.
Page(s) in Source: 769-770
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook