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Pioneer - WILSON, James Foster
Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County
Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906
|
WILSON, James Foster.
(d.). The subject of this sketch can not be classed with
the very early pioneers of Harriston, as he did not settle here until 1877,
but he came possessed of means, and immediately too a leading part in the
affairs of Harriston and Minto. He carried on the lumber business, and
besides putting up and purchasing business property in Harriston, he became a
large land owner, and at his death in 1887 left a large estate. James Foster
Wilson was b. in Penn. U.S., in 1826, and emigrated to Canada in 1846,
settling in Wentworth Co. He started in life in Canada with just one dollar
in his pocket, but by dint of industry and economy soon found himself
possessed of some means, with which he built the first saw mill in Ancaster.
At this time lumber was in great demand, and young Wilson made money rapidly.
In the midst of his prosperity his mill property was destroyed by fire, and
he found himself again destitute of means, but he had built up a business
reputation for ability and integrity, and with an energy born of an
indomitable will, he soon replaced his property, and his success continued.
After some years, wishing a more extended field for his for his operations
and investments, he moved to Harriston, and ere continued the same energy and
push that had characterized hi success in Ancaster. He was successively
Councillor, Reeve and Mayor of Harriston, and was also Trustee, and held
other office in the Methodist church, in which he took a great interest. In
fact, anything for the betterment or advancement of the community, met with a
ready response from James Foster Wilson.
Mr. Wilson m. first Margaret Stewart. Second wife, Matilda Stewart. His oldest son, James W. Wilson, is the active executor of his father's estate, and a leading citizen of Harriston. He has held the office of Councillor, Mayor, 1904-5, and is a member of the School Board. He m. Janet, dau. of Robert Blackwood, of Harriston. From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906 |
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