Wilson, Clara
Dates
- Existence: 1828-unknown
Biography
Clara Bovee Wilson was born in Amsterdam, New York. J. J. Wilson was born in Onondaga County, New York on May 5, 1828. In 1843 he moved to Walworth County, Wisconsin. In Wisconsin he married Clara and started a family. In 1870, he moved to Algona, Iowa, where he started a lumber company. His business letterhead from 1875 reads "Manufacturers & Dealers In Lumber, Lath, Shingles, Dressed Flooring & Siding, Gutters, Mouldings, Sash, Glass, Doors, Blinds, Cedar Posts, Building Paper, Lime, Cement, Stucco. Also Dealers in Grain, Pork Hides and Salt." Clara eventually joined him in Iowa. They had two children, Lenette (called Nettie) and Henry. He eventually bought a flour mill in Algona. J.J. Wilson served as mayor of Algona in 1876, 1877, 1880, and 1881. The History of Kossuth County, Iowa states that J. J. served two terms in the state legislature, but does not give the dates. This book also states, "He was greatly interested in educational work and took an active part in the building of Algona College." J.J. died in 1895; it is unknown when Clara died. Reed, Benjamin F. The History of Kossuth County, Iowa. Chicago: S.J.. Clarke Pub. Co., 1913
Citation:
Author: Jacque RoethlerFound in 1 Collection or Record:
Clara Wilson Letters
Thirty letters to one of the settlers of Algona, Iowa. Most of the letters are from her husband, J. J. Wilson, who was a businessman in Algona, owning a lumberyard and later a flour mill. J. J. Wilson was mayor of Algona during the years between 1876 and 1882 and served two terms in the state legislature. The letters are mostly about locating in Algona and their daughter's health.