JAMES M., BENJAMIN R., and WILLIAM B. WILSON are farmers of Elkhorn township, where they have been residents for a long time. Their father, John S. Wilson, was born in New Jersey, May 15, 1817. He was the son of Reuben Wilson, who was of English parents and a successful farmer of New Jersey. (See sketch of George W. and F.M. Wilson). Reuben Wilson removed to Ohio and resided there a few years, and in 1829 he visited Illinois on horseback, and was so pleased with the country that he emigrated to Illinois in 1833, and settled in Adams County. He entered sixteen sections of Government land, 10,240 acres, part of which was included in the township of Quincy. Soon after his arrival in this State he was taken quite sick, and was rendered helpless until his death some three years later. He married Susan Carver, of New Jersey, and of Holland parents. She died about two years after her husband. John Wilson was about sixteen years old when he came to Illinois with his parents. At that time Adams was but little settled, and Quincy was only a village, although it served as the market place for the farmers for many miles around. He was the pioneer teacher for Adams county and also Brown county, as there were no districts all were taught in subscription school in a little log house. The teacher was obliged to board around among the people. He was married November 30, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth J. Adams, born in 1827, daughter of Mr. Benjamin Adams, Sr. They had six children, namely: Benjamin B., born November 3, 1844; Perlina, born December, 1846; Pernita, born March 25, 1849; James M., born May 26, 1851; Dora E. was born February 5, 1854; William B., born November 4, 1859. Mr. Wilson bought land in section 5, and built a log cabin, in which all of his children were born, and where he lived until the day of his death, on April 22, 1875. His wife died in 1892.

The brothers have always resided on the old homestead, and have been engaged in farming. They have received a good education, and they are extensive readers, putting into practice the ideas they receive from their papers. Their farm is one of the best and most improved in the county.