WILSON, THOMAS W. (deceased). - Many of the more pretentious business blocks, public buildings and residences owe something to the skill of the late Thomas W. Wilson, for many years a resident of Springfield. He was born in Ohio, in 1833, and died in Springfield in 1904. He was a son of Robert Wilson, a native of Ohio, who died when Thomas W. was young. His life was spent in farming.

The first marriage of Mr. Wilson occurred in Ohio, when he married Mary Holmes and after their first child was born, he came to Illinois, locating in Loami Township, where he followed his trade as a carpenter. His wife died in 1873, having borne him children as follows: Mary Alice, who was the widow of Henry Dill, died in August, 1911; Robert of Kansas City; Emily, widow of Frank Mingle; Samuel of Auburn; Thomas of Morgan County; Charles, deceased; William, and Oscar, now deceased. On July 13, 1880, Mr. Wilson married Miss Katie Crull, no issue. She was born March 15, 1840, five miles east of Pawnee, on a farm, daughter of Henry and Fanny Elizabeth (Snodgrass) Crull, natives of Tennessee. The parents dying when Mrs. Wilson was young, she was taken by her aunt, Elizabeth Snodgrass, of Cotton Hill Township, and lived with her until her death, when Mrs. Wilson was twelve years of age, after which she worked in families until she was married.

Until four years prior to his death, Mr. Wilson worked at his trade, and was recognized as an unusually good workman. In politics, he was a Republican. While not a member of any religious denomination, he was a good Christian man, and was never happier than when making others happy, and leading them into the path of right living. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the West Side Christian Church.