Descendants of James Wilson

contributed by: Mary Ash

Generation No. 1

1.  JAMES3 WILSON  (JOHN2, JOHN1) was born July 13, 1743 in Chambersburg, 
    Pennsylvania1, and died June 08, 1799 in Ross County, Ohio.  He married AGNES 
    HENDERSON June 27, 1769, daughter of JAMES HENDERSON.  She was born February 
    14, 1745/46 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania2, and died June 30, 1796 in Ross 
    County, Ohio.

Notes for JAMES WILSON:

From Grandson James H. Wilsons interview by The Pike County Republican February 6, 1873: James H. stated his grandfather, this James, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1797, accompanied by most of his children, his wife having died previously. He and several emigrants clubbed together and built a flat-boat on the Monongahela River, on which they placed their families and floated down to the Ohio river, and thence down that river to where Portsmouth now is, but was then a dense wilderness. They had on board horses, cattle and sheep. The company encamped till my grandfather and uncle John went up to Chillicothe and procured a keel boat and returned with it down the Scioto River. While they were gone, the wolves made sad havoc with their little flock of sheep. When the keel boat arrived at the mouth of the Scioto River, the families and effects were put on it and the boat was keeled up the river. When they arrived at Chillicothe, they found but one house with a shingle roof and that was a log structure. They arrived in the spring season, and the families remained there some weeks while the working portion of the males went to Pickaway Plains and planted a crop of corn, after which the women and children were taken to their new homes.

The Indians had not yet left the country, and used to assemble at the residences of the new-comers and sing their songs which were to the whites a great novelty. But the natives of the forest soon afterward disappeared and melted away into the western forests, leaving their successors, the white settlers, in quiet possession of their "hunting grounds". They continued to cultivate the land and soon the aborigines were almost forgotten. Week after week, month after month, year after year, other settlers crowded in--and they were always welcome--and their children grew up, and soon began to marry, multiply and increase.

My grandfather died in 1797 (sic), the fall after arriving there, and his remains were taken to Chillicothe and buried. Of my grandfather's family, there were six daughters and three sons, viz: Sarah, Polly, Martha, Nancy, Esther, Jane, John, James and William. Sarah and Polly were married before the family came out, and remained in Pennsylvania some years, but afterwards came out and settled with their husbands near here.

From History of Ross and Highalnd Counties, Ohio (1895) p. 333

The first settlement in Buckskin Township was made by James Wilson, who built a house on Buckskin creek near South Salem, in 1799. ....These houses would be called rough cabins in these days of advanced ideas regarding the style of building and architecture, but at that time were confortable houses. They were formed of round poles, or of roughly hewed logs, notched at the corners, and rolled together in a nearly square form. Roofs were formed by laying poles lengthwise of the building, which was first raised to the desired height, and covering these poles with bark or with clapboards rived from a solid, straight grained oak and fastened to their places by laying still other poles across them. A hole was sawed or chopped through one end of the cabin to serve as a doorway, and a large stick chimney was built in the other end, which provided the means of securing warmth, and cooking the necessary food. The spaces between the logs in the building was chinked up with chips and sticks, after which it was daubed over with mud, when it was considered really a comfortable house. When first used, a blanket often served as a door, until clapboards could be split, pinned together with wooden pegs, and hung on wooden hinges. Most houses were built in that day without a nail being used in their construction--wooden pins had to answer the purpose, where every article used was brought so many miles on the rivers, or on horseback, to its destination.

Robert Willson [sic], a son of James Willson, settled in the southwest corner of the township, on Paint creek, where he made a home and died. The property is now owned by his son, A. L. Willson. His family were Anderson, William, Newton, Frank, Alfred L., and several daughters. Newton lives in Greenfield.

John H. Willson, also a son of James Willson, married Elizabeth Finch and settled on survey two thousand two hundred and ninety-five, where he died. His children afterwards scattered to other parts, and the property has since been sold. One son, was a physician, and died in New Holland; another, Josiah R., became a dentist, and settled in New Orleans.

The above Robert and John H. Willson, do not seem to fit into this genealogy, although Elizabeth Finch was married to Isaac Wilson. Are there two Elizabeth Finches or is the above account incorrect?

From Wilson-Baird History, Frank C. Shepherd (1943), p. 126.

James Wilson with his family removed from Franklin County to Ohio about 1797. The records of the Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church show that he gave up his pew in the church June 12, 1797. He died on his farm near where Kingston now stands in Pickaway County Ohio and is buried in Chillicothe (Extract from a letter of H. W. Craven, Seattle Washington to Mr. Shepherd May 25, 1901.)

From Abstract of Wills, Ross County Ohio 1798-1848: 32, p. 2

James Wilson, late of Green Township, Franklin County but now in Perry Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. No death date; certified July 1, 1799. Bequeathals to daughter Sarah, wife of John Swan; sons John, James and William; daughters Mary, Martha, Agnes, Esther and Jean. Executors: John, son; Mary, daughter. Witnesses: James Wilson, Isabel Wilson.

WILL OF JAMES WILSON

In the name of God, Amen the twentieth day of September in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundered ninety and seven, I James Willson (sic) late of Franklin County, green township, now living in Perry Township Westmoreland County; yeoman, being of perfect mind and memory and calling to mind the mortality of my body to make and ordain this my last will and testament, that is to say, first and principally I recommend my soul to God who give it and my body to the dust, whenever it shall please God to segregate my soul from it.
ITEM. I order that all my just debts be fully paid
ITEM. It is my will that my daughter Sarah, wife of John Swan, receive ten pounds more thanwhat she has got and no more.
ITEM. It is further my will that the half of my ready money bonds and notes be given equally to my sons John, James, William, and the other half equally to my daughters, Mary, Martha, Agnes, Esther and Jean, in the order and form following: first I order that my sons John, James and William receive their half out of the ready money and the first notes and bonds that is due till their half is made up, and I order that my sons John and James, buys land with the best information they can get, raises the family, and whilst the girls remains unmarried, they are to keep house and whaever time they have more, they may work for themselves, and it is my will that my sons John and James has the use of my son William's money till he is of age free from interest only they must lay it out on land; it is further in my will that my son William be put to a trade as soon as he is fit for he is a liberty to choose his trade; the other half which is to be left last of the bonds that comes due, I give to my daughters above named, and it is my will that my sons, John and James has four horses, they having their choice, the others to my daughters above named, the cows to be given equally to my daughters above names with the half of all household goods not mentioned; the other half to my sons John and James; and William; equally amongst them and do make and order my son John and my daughter Mary sole executors and executrix of this my last will and testament in trust for the intent and purposes of this my will contained. I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and dis...?? all former testaments, ex...?? and bequests by me heretofore willed or bequeathed. Ratifying and confirmingThis and no other to be my last testament in witnesseth whoever of I have hereunto set my had at day and year above written - 1797. Before signing and sealing it is my will that my son John and James have the plow irons, with the wagon and geers (?) and the esequences (??) of the family is to come out of the whole till land is bought. James Willson (seal)

Signed, sealed, pronounced, published, and declared by the s. James Willson as his last will and testament in presence of us the subscribers: Jas. Wilson, Isabel Wilson.

(The following contained many misspelled words and was difficult to translate) Westmoreland County of Parsenly (Pennsylvania?) came before me one of the justices of the peace for said county James Wolson (sic) and Isabel Wolson (sic) and being sworn as the law ??, deposition and asith that James Wolson (sic) desesed, law (?) to on them, to examine this is Last Will and Testament and that the one the parsons that evidence (?) the same and subscribed the names above sworn before me am subscribed October 11, 1799, given under my hand and seal: John Pumroy. Jas. Wilson, Isabel Wilson

Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. I the subscriber Prothonatory of the court of common pleas for the County of Westmoreland in the State of Pennsylvania, certify that John Pumroy whose name is above subscribed and before whom probate of the last Will and Testament of James Willson, deceased was made on the solemn oaths of the subscribing witnesses to the same as above set forth, was at the time of administering the said deposition and yet is Commonwealth Justices of the Peace for the Township of Perry in the County of Westmoreland aforsaid Commissioned and to his acts as such, certified full faith and credit is given and of right due. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the county aforesaid this fourth day of November, One thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine. Thomas Hamilton, Proth.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPERTY OF JAMES WILSON, DECEASED BY WILLIAM MCCOY AND JOHN CROUS THIS 28TH DAY OF APRIL 1800:

Ross County, Territory U.S., N.W. of O (Ohio) before me Samuel Finley Judge of Probate for the said county of Ross personally appeared the witnesses named William McCoy and John Crouse appraises of the goods and chattles of the estate of James Wilson late of said county deceased and made oath that the preceding inventory of the said goods and chattels with their value annend in dollars and cents, was taken and inately (?) them this 28th day of April 1800, according to the best of their knowledge. John Crouse, Wm. McCoy, sworn and subscribed this 1st day of May 1800 before me. Samuel Finley

Notes for AGNES HENDERSON: In James H. Wilson's "Interview", he states that his grandmother (Agnes Henderson Wilson) died before the grandfather and his family moved to Ohio.

Children of JAMES WILSON and AGNES HENDERSON are:

     i.   SARAH4 WILSON, b. April 07, 1770; m. JOHN SWAN.
          Notes for JOHN SWAN:
          See "Great-grandfather's Bear Story" under John Wilson Notes.
    ii.   MARY WILSON, b. January 27, 1773; m. JOHN SHIELDS.
          Notes for MARY WILSON:
          In James H. Wilson's "Interview"  he names James' and Agnes' daughters as 
          Sarah, Martha, Esther, Jane, Nancy and Polly.  This MARY may have been 
          called Polly or maybe her name was Nancy instead of Mary.
          Birthdate may have been June 27, 1773 instead of January.
2.  iii.  MARTHA WILSON, b. March 29, 1779; d. 1824.
     iv.  AGNES WILSON, b. February 04, 1777; d. May 10, 1808; m. SOLOMON TEMPLIN, 
          May 05, 1803.
          Notes for AGNES WILSON:
          In James H. Wilson's "Interview"  he names James' and Agnes' daughters 
          as Sarah, Martha, Esther, Jane, Nancy and Polly.  This AGNES may have 
          been called Polly or maybe her name was Nancy instead of Agnes.
3.    v.  JOHN WILSON, b. February 18, 1779, Chambersberg, Pennsylvania; d. 
          September 29, 1856, Ross County, Ohio.
4.   vi.  JAMES WILSON, b. May 16, 1781, Chambersberg, Pennsylvania; d. January 
          20, 1870, Pike County, Ohio.
    vii.  ESTHER WILSON, b. October 18, 1783; d. May 29, 1856; m. TERAH TEMPLIN, 
          May 29, 1804.
5. viii.  WILLIAM WILSON, b. June 11, 1787; d. July 15, 1852, Highland County 
          Ohio.
6.   ix.  JANE WILSON, b. August 28, 1789.

Generation No. 2

2.  MARTHA4 WILSON (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born March 29, 17793, and died 
    18244.  She married SAMUEL STRAIN Abt. 1805, son of JOHN STRAIN.  He was born 
    1762 in Virginia, and died 1845.
    Notes for MARTHA WILSON:
    Melvin Clark lists birthdate as 1774.  Probably in error.
    Notes for SAMUEL STRAIN:
    b. 1762 First wife Hannah, then Martha jane Wilson.  Had 2 more wives
    An elder at Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church, Highland Co., Ohio

Children of MARTHA WILSON and SAMUEL STRAIN are:
   i.  REBECCA ANN5 STRAIN, b. 1806; m. THOMAS WATTS4; b. 1790; d. 1852.
  ii.  ESTHER D. STRAIN, b. 1808; d. 1835; m. ABNER THORNTON4.
 iii.  ROBERT WILSON STRAIN, b. 1809; d. 1851.
  iv.  MALINDA HENDERSON STRAIN, b. 1812; m. JOSEPH E. COCHRAN4.
   v.  JAMES GILLIAN STRAIN, b. 1813; d. 1840; m. LEVINA.
  vi.  SARAH ROBBERSON STRAIN, b. 1815; d. 1846; m. LEWIS AMBROSE4.
 vii.  DR. WILLIAM JOSEPH STRAIN4, b. 1818; d. 1882; m. MARGARET A. SMITH; 
       b. 1841; d. 1900. Notes for DR. WILLIAM JOSEPH STRAIN: M.D.
viii.  MARTHA PIPPY STRAIN, b. 1820.

3.  JOHN4 WILSON (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born February 18, 1779 in 
    Chambersberg, Pennsylvania5, and died September 29, 1856 in Ross County, 
    Ohio6.  He married LUCY TAYLOR April 22, 1802 in Ross County, Ohio7, daughter 
    of WILLIAM TAYLOR and LUCY IMLAY.  She was born May 12, 1782 in Ross County, 
    Ohio8, and died September 15, 1866 in Ross County, Ohio9.

Notes for JOHN WILSON: In the Records of Rocky Spring Church, Highland County, Ohio, April 22, 1810, there were 53 members of the congregation, including John and Lucy Wilson, James and Sarah Wilson, and William Wilson.

In the History of Carroll County [Indiana], p. 357, the historian states that John Wilson was a son of William H. Wilson. Need to check this discrepancy out. This "History" goes on to state: The Wilsons in America, from whom the subject of this sketch is descended, came from the North of Ireland to the United States, during very early times, the emigrant ancestor being John Wilson, who had five sons, James, the third son, was the father of nine children, of whom John was the fifth child, and the father of eleven children.

He came to Ohio at an early date, settling originally in Pickaway County, then to Highland County, and finally to Ross county.

Active participant in War of 1812.

In Finleys Pioneer Records and Reminiscences of Early Settlers and Settlements of Ross County, Ohio (1871):
p. 132 "Pioneer Businessmen of Chillicothe: John Wilson"
p. 69 "Old Settlers, Buckskin Twp. - J. Wilson"

From An Essay in English 1, sec. 3, by James S. Wilson, Box 119 'MY GREAT GRANDFATHER'S BEAR STORY'" probably written while he was a student at Ohio State University during the 1890s. Provided by Robert S. Wilson, October 23, 1960.

More than a century ago my great-grandfather's family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. They settled first near a big spring, which is now within the corporate limits of Circleville, but as the surrounding country was low, wet and unhealthful and the Indians quite numerous, they thought it best to go further south nearer the settlements, and into higher and more healthful regions. They next took up a claim near Chillicothe.

Two years later great-grandfather's oldest sister married John Swan, a young hunter and backwoodsman. The young couple soon left Chillicothe, my great grandfather a boy sixteen or seventeen years old going with them. They pressed twenty-six miles to the southward and settled near what is now the village of Cynthiana in the northwest corner of Pike County.

Mr. Swan made his first clearing in a rolling part of the country, building a large two-story log house on the west side of a trail which later became known as Zane's Trace. The spot was well drained but the situation was chosen for the good spring just across the trail opposite the house.

After building his house, his work was to enlarge his clearing. Beginning along the spring brook, as this was the best and easiest land to work, he continued cutting down, burning and deadening the timber, and it was not long before he had quite an open tract surrounding his house. He enclosed his clearing with the regulation stake-and-rider worm fence ten rails high. And as Mr. Swan came to feel more safe and secure he began to increase his livestock. One fall he bought a few hogs. Among them was a fine black sow which during the early winter farrowed a litter of ten pigs, east of the spring, at the root of a large oak tree which the wind had blown down. Mr. Swan was proud of the pigs and took all necessary precautions for their welfare. An old hunter had warned Mr. Swan against the bears that were roaming over the country, and told him that he had better bring the pigs to the house. Mr. Swan thought there was no danger as the pigs were but a short distance from the house and so he left them alone.

But one Saturday night when the pigs were nearly three months, the family was awakened by the barking of the dog and the squealing of the sow and pigs. The men dressed themselves hastily. Mr. Swan seized his gun and hurried out, but they could see no harm done except a few scratches and bruises on the old sow. They went back into the house, watched a while for the disturber of their rest but soon went to bed again.

The next morning when my great-grandfather went out to feed the sow and pigs, he found two of the finest pigs gone and the tracks of a large bear all around the old oak tree. He went back into the house and told Mr. Swan what had occurred. Mr. Swan immediately prepared to hunt down the bear, and after breakfast, he and great-grandfather, who was past eighteen, took up the trail of the bear. Mr. Swan carried the only gun, an old long-barreled flintlock but true and trustworthy when properly handled.

The trail let in an easterly direction for a short distance, then turned slightly to the south and ascended a ridge. At the top of this hill, the bear had turned nearly straight south to Cace's Branch where she faced east, crossed the brook, called her cubs, and they soon made way with the pigs. After their breakfast, the old bear and her cubs went to the eastward and began the ascent of one of the highest hills in that part of the country.

In many respects this is one of the most peculiar and fascinating of all the hills of the neighborhood. It is a mound-like hill standing alone; on the west, northwest, and southwest sides the hill ascends with considerable steepness. While the other side down from the top angle of depression for the first 100 yards where they descend more gradually. At the top of this heavily wooded hill is a spot bare of all vegetation, surrounded with a border of greenbriers, and having a forest as a background.

The hunters had been gaining on the bears, and the old bear first scented the danger when she neared this bare spot. Seeing that flight was impossible with the cubs, she prepared for battle by driving her cubs up a tall shagbark hickory that stood on the edge of the bald knob. The bear was still scolding the cubs when the hunters espied her.

They approached the bear several feet apart; great-grandfather was straight below her. Mr. Swan was south of him. When they were within twenty-five yards of the bear, she reared herself on her hind legs preparatory for the charge. Mr. Swan seeing his chance took true and careful aim---pooh---bang---and the old bear fell forward, rolled, bounded and jumped as if alive right at great-grandfather who was so frightened that he did not move until the bear rolled up against him, knocking him out of her course and stopped again a few feet below him. Mr. Swan had hurriedly reloaded his gun, but his aim had been so true that the bullet had penetrated the bear's heart, and she never moved after she stopped rolling.

They skinned the old bear, cut off such meat as they wanted and cached it and the hide on the branches of the trees. Then they turned their attention to the cubs and tried all conceivable ways to get them down. At last Mr. Swan shot one of them and then the other cub saw its companion on the ground below and soon came down. They captured it, and after skinning the dead cub, they took the other cub and some of the bear steak and went home well pleased with the morning's work. They returned the next day and brought in the hides and bear steak.

The cub at first would cry like a child and refused to eat. He soon began to eat, but the morose crying spells remained with him a long time. He never was tractable and became so cross that they had to kill him before he was two years old.

Per RSW: "This was copied from a photostat copy of the original. Written by James S. Wilson, my father's brother, probably when he was a student at Ohio State University during the 1890s. My cousin, William Davis of Cincinatti, Ohio, who is the son of Mary Davis, my father's sister, provided the photostat for loan while I could copy it." RSW, 23 Oct 60.

Children of JOHN WILSON and LUCY TAYLOR are:

     i. WILLIAM TAYLOR5 WILSON, b. April 15, 1803; d. October 1863.
    ii. NANCY HENDERSON WILSON, b. January 04, 1805; d. November 08, 1823.
   iii. JAMES HENDERSON WILSON, b. January 02, 1807; d. February 12, 1886.
    iv. LUCY ANN WILSON, b. April 06, 1809; d. September 20, 1840, Madison Township, 
        Highland County, Ohio10.
        Notes for LUCY ANN WILSON: Died at age 31 years, 5 months, 14 days
        More About LUCY ANN WILSON: Burial: Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Highland 
        County, Ohio
7.   v. DR. JOHN GILLILAND WILSON, b. March 19, 1811, Ross County, Ohio; d. 
        September 1896, Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio.
    vi. BETSY TAYLOR WILSON, b. July 26, 1813; d. September 02, 1831, Madison 
        Township, Highland county, Ohio10.
        Notes for BETSY TAYLOR WILSON:
        Baptised on August 16, 1813, Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church, Highland Co. 
        Ohio.  Rocky Spring Church Records. Died at age 18 years, 1 month, 7 days
        More About BETSY TAYLOR WILSON: Burial: Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 
        Highland County, Ohio. Church Affiliation: Presbyterian
8. vii. DR. ROBERT IMLEY WILSON, b. December 05, 1815, Ross County, Ohio; d. April 
        16, 1896, Lockport, Indiana.
  viii. SAMUEL JOSEPH WILSON, b. March 20, 1818; d. October 24, 1823.
        Notes for SAMUEL JOSEPH WILSON: Died at 5 years, 7 months, 2 days
        More About SAMUEL JOSEPH WILSON: Burial: Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 
        Highland County, Ohio. Church Affiliation: Presbyterian
    ix. EDWARD DICKEY WILSON, b. September 09, 1820; d. September 01, 1845.
        Notes for EDWARD DICKEY WILSON: A twin of Isaac Carothers, died September 1, 
        1845
9.   x. ISAAC CROTHERS WILSON, b. September 09, 1820; d. April 27, 1902, Greenfield, 
        Ohio.
    xi. LOUISA HENDERSON WILSON, b. February 08, 1824; m. LUMBECK.
        Notes for LOUISA HENDERSON WILSON:
        Photo:  Inscription "Louisa Wilson Lunbeck, father's youngest sister".  
        Picture is of elderly woman.

4.  JAMES4 WILSON (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born May 16, 1781 in Chambersberg, 
    Pennsylvania11, and died January 20, 1870 in Pike County, Ohio.  He married 
    (1) ROSANNA FERNEAU.  She was born Abt. 1789, and died Aft. 1873.  He married 
    (2) SARAH HORN June 19, 1806 in Adams County Ohio.  She was born in 
    Pennsylvania, and died 183912.

Notes for JAMES WILSON:
In James H. Wilson's "Interview", he stated his father, this James, was 16 years old when they moved to Ohio. After the grandfather died, the young women mothered the younger children. In 1801 or 1802 crops were poor and the boys settled near Cynthiana. On the 19th day of June, 1806, James married Sarah Horn. She was from Pennsylvania. They settled in Brushcreek Township, near Cynthiana. There they lived for many years and raised eight children, viz: Joseph H., William H., Nancy M., Eliza G., Louis M., James H., Enos and Julia Ann. As they settled in the woods, James felled the trees, built a log cabin, cleared the farm and wrought out an independence for himself and family. He was a large, stout man, and could endure the hardships he was called to grapple with and subdue. He was noted for his simple, moral habits, great industry and probity of character. He was a member of the Presybterian church from boyhood, and a elder for many years. He inculcated in the minds of his children precepts of the Christian religion, which took root and grew with them, for all of them belonged to that church except Eliza, who attached herself to the Methodist Episcopal church.

From Pioneer Records and Reminiscences of Early Settlers and Settlements of Ross County, Ohio by Isaac J. Finley, 1871:

p. 15 James Wilson came from Kentucky to Ohio, enlisted in the war of 1812 at 15 years, cooper and still living. (This is probably not this JAMES as he would have to have born in 1797, not 1781, although in James H. Wilson's Interview, he stated that James "answered the famous 'general call' in the second or 'last' war with Great Britain, and was out for 60 days for which he received a land warrant." Was this the War of 1812?

In Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church Records, Highland Co., Ohio, April 22, 1810:

James Wilson and Sarah, his wife, members.
August 1816, James Wilson chosen as one of ruling elders.
Dismissed James Wilson and Sally, his wife (about December 1816)
January 15, 1836, Dismissed James Wilson (son?)

Rocky Spring Church was the first religious organization in Madison Twp., Highland County, Ohio and second Presbyterian Church in Highland County. Rocky Spring Cemetery adjoined the church which is situated near Greenfield. The church sunk in ruins after a severe storm in 1876 and many early pioneers of Highland County rest in graves in buried ground, now abandoned.

E. Fullerton Wilson (great-grandson of James Wilson, son of John and Nancy Breckenridge), in a letter dated February 17, 1896, indicated his grandfathers birthdate was May 17, 1781 (not May 16).

More About JAMES WILSON:
Burial: Cynthiana Cemetery, Pike County, Ohio
Church Affiliation: Presbyterian
	
Children of JAMES WILSON and SARAH HORN are:
      i. ELIZA G.5 WILSON, b. Abt. February 1813, Highland County Ohio13; 
         d. Bef. 1873.
     ii. ENOS WILSON.
    iii. JOSEPH H. WILSON. Notes for JOSEPH H. WILSON: Was an elder in the Presbyterian 
         Church in Cynthiana before leaving for Illinois.
     iv. JULIA ANN WILSON, d. Bef. 1873.
      v. LEWIS MCCOY WILSON, b. Abt. December 1814, Highland County Ohio14; 
         d. Bef. 1873.
     vi. NANCY M. WILSON, b. Abt. 1811, Highland County Ohio15; d. Bef. 1873.
10. vii. JAMES H. WILSON, b. October 22, 1816.
   viii. WILLIAM H. WILSON.

5.  WILLIAM4 WILSON (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born June 11, 1787, and died July 
    15, 1852 in Highland County Ohio.  He married MARY GASTON February 14, 1811.  
    She was born September 23, 1792, and died April 15, 1864.

Children of WILLIAM WILSON and MARY GASTON are:
 i.  DAUGHTER5 WILSON.
ii.  SAMUEL MILTON WILSON.

6.  JANE4 WILSON (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born August 28, 1789.  She married 
    JOHN BARR.  

Notes for JANE WILSON: Name appears as "Jean" in Abstract of Wills, James Wilson.
	
Child of JANE WILSON and JOHN BARR is:
11. i. ESTHER5 BARR.

Generation No. 3

7.  DR. JOHN GILLILAND5 WILSON (JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born March 19, 
    1811 in Ross County, Ohio, and died September 1896 in Washington Court House, 
    Fayette County, Ohio.  He married LUCINDA MACKERLY 1839.  She was born in New 
    Jersey, and died March 1875.

Notes for DR. JOHN GILLILAND WILSON:
From the notes of Dr. Robert I. Wilson History of Carroll County [Indiana]:

In the spring of 1840, he (Robert) removed to Lockport, Carroll County, Indiana, where forming a partnership with an older brother, Dr. John Wilson, who had preceded him thither five years, he commenced the practice of his profession. About 1842, his brother (John), returning to Ohio, the subject of our sketch removed to Delphi, and there entered into a co-partnership with Dr. Samuel Grimes of that place.

Children of JOHN WILSON and LUCINDA MACKERLY are:
 i.  MATTIE6 WILSON, b. Abt. 1858.
     Notes for MATTIE WILSON: In John G. Wilson's obituary, it states that "Mattie died in 
     girlhood more than 25 years ago"
ii.  ? WILSON, m. J. L. MILLIKAN; d. Fayette County, Ohio.

8.  DR. ROBERT IMLEY5 WILSON (JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born December 05, 
    1815 in Ross County, Ohio16,17, and died April 16, 1896 in Lockport, 
    Indiana18.  He married (1) JANE HOWLETT December 19, 1844 in Delphi, 
    Indiana19, daughter of PARKER HOWLETT and AMARILLA SUTHERLAND.  She was born 
    March 18, 1821 in Syracuse, New York20, and died February 13, 1864 in 
    Lockport, Indiana20.  He married (2) HELEN PARKER Aft. 186421.  

Notes for DR. ROBERT IMLEY WILSON:
In Ross County, Ohio Families, Volume II, © 1979 by the Ross County Genealogical Society, Robert Imlay Wilson's birthdate is listed as May 12, 1815, and his death date as April 16, 1893.

In Rocky Spring Church, Highland Co., Ohio, April 22, 1810 Records:
April 1816, baptised John Wilson's sone (sic) Robert Early (sic)

Robert Imlay Wilson was a physician.

In the History of Carroll County [Indiana], p. 268: Dr. Robert I. Wilson was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 12, 1815. He was a son of John and Lucy Taylor Wilson and a grandson of James Wilson. Both father and grandfather were natives of Pennsylvania and both immigrated to Chillicothe, Ohio in 1798.

His maternal grandfather, Captain William Taylor, was a native Englishman, who came to the shores of New Jersey at sixteen years of age. Subsequently, Grandfather Taylor joined the Federal army and served as an officer throughout the Revolutionary struggle, and later, drifted to the State of Kentucky, where he became the owner of slaves. But soon becoming averse to the institution of slavery, after disposing of a protion of his slaves, he removed to Ross County, Ohio, with the balance, where he gave them their freedom. Captain Taylor's daughter, Lucy, here formed the acquaintance of John Wilson, the father of our subject, this acquaintance resulting in marriage in 1802. Dr. Wilson was reared on a farm, and received his elementary education in the pioneer common school. This he supplemented by a course of study at the Dayton Academy.

In the spring of 1837, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Henry Van Tyle, of Dayton, Ohio, and continued thus for about three years, completing a course in the meantime at the Cincinnati Medical College the fall of 1839. In the spring of 1840, he removed to Lockport, Carroll County, Indiana, where forming a partnership with an older brother, Dr. John Wilson, who had preceded him thither five years, he commenced the practice of his profession. About 1842, his brother returning to Ohio, the subject of our sketch removed to Delphi, and there entered into a co-partnership with Dr. Samuel Grimes of that place.

Here he maried Miss Jane Howlett, daughter of Captain Parker Howlett, on December 19, 1844, and, about July, 1854, he removed to Georgetown, Cass County. In the spring of 1847, he again changed to Burnettsville, White County, and finally, in the spring of 1852, returned to Lockport, where he has since lived and continued his profession.

His companion, then the mother of six children, departed this life February 13, 1864.

Dr. Wilson has been a man of enduring constitution, and, being of temperate habits, is well preserved for his years. Ever assiduous in the line of his profession and in the pursuit of fortune, he has been successful and is now the owner of a large estate.

Children of ROBERT WILSON and JANE HOWLETT are:
     i. MARY BELLE6 WILSON, m. LAFAYETTE MACREYNOLDS.
12. ii. ELIZABETH FRANCES WILSON, b. March 13, 1857, Lockport, Carroll County, 
        Indiana; d. June 25, 1938, Delphi, Carroll County, Indiana.
   iii. JOHN W. WILSON, d. Bef. 190022.
    iv. EMILY J. WILSON, m. WILLIAM GUTHRIE.
     v. LUCY C. WILSON, m. ADAM GIBSON.
    vi. LOUISE WILSON, m. ALFRED GUTHRIE.
   vii. JAMES A. H. WILSON, m. DR. MARY BROWN.
  viii. CLARA M. WILSON.
        Notes for CLARA M. WILSON: Died in infancy.

Children of ROBERT WILSON and HELEN PARKER are:
    ix. MINNIE6 WILSON, b. Aft. 1864.
        Notes for MINNIE WILSON: Twin.
     x. WINNIE WILSON, b. Aft. 1864.
        Notes for WINNIE WILSON: Twin.

9.  ISAAC CROTHERS5 WILSON (JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born September 09, 
    1820, and died April 27, 1902 in Greenfield, Ohio.  He married ELEANOR FINCH 
    December 02, 1841, daughter of ISAAC FINCH and LUCY IRWIN.  She was born July 
    05, 1820, and died March 21, 1851.

Notes for ISAAC CROTHERS WILSON:
In 1800 Census of Ross County, Buckskin Township, the following is listed: Isaac C. Wilson, age 59, occupation farmer, parents born in Pennsylvania. Wife Eleanor, age 58, parents born in Virginia.

In a obituary of Joseph Bryan:
 

Mr. George Smith, of Washington Avenue received a telephone message from Sullivan county, Southwestern Indiana, Tuesday, announcing the death of Mr. Joseph Bryan, brother of Mrs. Smith, the cause being typhoid fever, of which disease the entire family, wife, two sons and a daughter, have been afflicted since some time in August. Mr. Bryan and family were well known residents of near Staunton, this county, until they sold their farm and moved to Indiana the first of February last. The deceased is a son-in-law of Isaac Wilson, near Greenfield, brother of the late Dr. John G. Wilson, of this city, and leaves a wife and two sons and a daughter, Isaac, Edward and Eva. he was aged 59 years and was a member of the Seventy-third O.V.I. in the Civil War." Joseph would have been married to Lucinda or Nancy Wilson. Who was his father?

Notes for ELEANOR FINCH: Photograph shows name as Ellen Lyle Wilson, b. November 24, 1824, d. March 21, 1851.

Children of ISAAC WILSON and ELEANOR FINCH are:
      i. LUCINDA JANE6 WILSON, b. September 06, 1842.
     ii. NANCY EMILY WILSON, b. June 19, 1844.
13. iii. MARY ELIZABETH WILSON, b. March 02, 1846, Ross County, Ohio; d. January 
         15, 1929, Sullivan County, Indiana.
     iv. LOUISA ANNIE WILSON, b. April 19, 1848; d. August 20, 1889; m. WILLIAM 
         ALLEN MILLIGAN, November 20, 1872, Ross County, Ohio.

Notes for LOUISA ANNIE WILSON:
Newspaper article:
MARRIED: On Wednesday, November 20th, 1872, at the residence of the bride's father; Mr. Isaac C. Wilson, by Rev. S. D. Crothers, Mr. William Allen Milligan, to Miss Louisa A. Wilson, both of Ross County, Ohio.

The above happy couple in their hours of joy, did not forget the printer, but remembered him in the gift of several large and delicious slices of bride's cake, for which we tender them our warmest thanks. they have our best wishes for a long, happy, and prosperous life.

Louisa's funeral remembrance has "Louisa A. Milligan, Deid, May 20, 1889, aged 41 years.

      v. INFANT WILSON, b. March 10, 1851; d. March 11, 1851.

10.  JAMES H.5 WILSON (JAMES4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born October 22, 1816.  
     He married ROSE ANN CORE November 07, 183923, daughter of JOHN CORE.  

Notes for JAMES H. WILSON:
The following may not be this James Wilson, but is being entered here until verification is made later:

From HISTORY OF THE SOUTH SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO, Southern Ohio Genealogical Society.

p. 28, Officers of the Church in 1874 included Robert Wilson, Ruling Elder, Alfred L. Wilson, Ruling Elder. A JOHN BRYAN was listed as a former Deacon. Members in 1874 included Robert Wilson, Elder, Catharine D. Wilson, George M. B. Wilson, Sarah Wilson, and Louisa Wilson. (p. 31)

First communion was October 31, 1802; The second communion was held by Rev. William Williamson, the second Sabbath of June 1804, by appointment of the Presbytery, the Reverend ROBERT WILSON, Kentucky, father of the Reverend ROBERT W. WILSON, who once taught in the Academy here and was for so many years the beloved pastor of Bloomingburg. In June 1805, DR. ROBERT G. WILSON officiated at a communion season when nineteen members were received. (p. 5)

There was a Dr. S. CROTHERS who taught theology at Miami University. (p. 10)

James Wilson came in 1800, bought land and lived on Buckskin. ROBERT WILSON, his son became an elder in the church. He lived south of Greenfield on Paint Creek where he had a sawmill. He was a good man, careful and prudent and strove always to make the best possible use of anything that he had. JOHN H. WILSON, another son, led the singing in the church for 40 years, part of the time he was assisted by Richard Junkins. He was often spoken of as Clerk Wilson, or as every one then pronounced the word, Clark Wilson, their speech betraying their Scotch Irish descent. He built and lived in the brick house on the hill a mile or so down Buckskin. His sister, Ellen, was married to Henry TAYLOR, and her daughter married Granville CALDWELL and became the mother of missionaries the Rev. Milton Caldwell and Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Williams. Granville Caldwell was the son of James Caldwell, one of the first school teachers in the township, who came from Chamborsburg, PA in 1805. (p. 10)

Rev. Alexander H. Young was installed in the Pastorate in May 1864, and R. W. WILSON gave the charge to the pastor. (p.17-18)

From Historical Discourse delivered in the Presbyterian church of South Salem, Ohio on Thanksgiving 1874 by Robert R. Campbell. The original name of the congregation was BUCKSKIN, so called from the little creek which passes through the township. The first house build on the creek or in the township was in 1779; and the first in this immediate neighborhood was by James Wilson in 1799. These houses were of round poles, or at least the best roughly hewed logs, with mud and chips for filling, formed the walls, and, excepting the capacious fireplaces, everything was on a small scale, affording but little comfort or convenience. Quite a number of the founders of the church--the WILSONS, and the IRWINS, and the EDMISTONS, and the WALLACES, and the TAYLORS, and others--emigrated that they might rid themselves of slavery, and came here seeking a free country, where labor would be respectable, and where their descendants might grow up without the blighting influence, which, they wisely foresaw, servitude would have on the dominant as well as on the subject race. (p. 21)

From The Pike County (Ohio) Republican February 6, 1873 ("Old Folks of Pike county Interviewed", No. XXV. James H. Wilson)

I was born in Brushcreek Township, Highland County, Ohio, on the 22nd day of October, 1816. My progenitors on my father's side were from the north of Ireland, and, I presume, were Scotch-Irish of the old Presbyterian stock. My great-grandfather came to this country from Ireland, but I can not say what his given name was. I believe my grandfather's given name was James, but am not certain. He died before I was born. My grandmother Wilson was a Henderson. My father's given name was James. He was born in Pennsylvania, near Chambersburgh, on the 13th of May, 1781. My grandfather came out from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1797, accompanied by most of his children, his wife having died previously. He and several emigrants clubbed together and build a flat-boat on the Monongahela River, on which they placed their families and floated down to the Ohio river, and thence down that river to where Portsmouth now is, but was then a dense wilderness. They had on board horses, cattle and sheep. The company encamped till my grandfather and uncle John went up to Chillicothe and procured a keel boat and returned with it down the Scioto River. While they were gone, the wolves made sad havoc with their little flock of sheep. I have sat and heard my father tell of these and other adventures many times. When the keel boat arrived at the mouth of the Scioto River, the families and effects were put on it and the boat was keeled up the river. When they arrived at Chillicothe, they found but one house with a shingle roof and that was a log structure. If I am not mistaken, they arrived in the spring season, and the families remained there some weeks while the working portion of the males went to Pickaway Plains and planted a crop of corn, after which the women and children were taken to their new homes.

The Indians had not yet left the country, and used to assemble at the residences of the new-comers and sing their songs which were to the whites a great novelty. But the natives of the forest soon afterward disappeared and melted away into the western forests, leaving their successors, the white settlers, in quiet possession of their "hunting grounds". They continued to cultivate the land and soon the aborigines were almost forgotten. Week after week, month after month, year after year, other settlers crowded in--and they were always welcome--and their children grew up, and soon began to marry, multiply and increase.

My grandfather died in 1797 (sic), the fall after arriving there, and his remains were taken to Chillicothe and buried. Of my grandfather's family, there were six daughters and sons, viz: Sarah, Polly, Martha, Nancy, Esther, Jane, John, James and William. Sarah and Polly were married before the family came out, and remained in Pennsylvania some years, but afterwards came out and settled with their husbands near here. My father was the second son, and he was 16 years old when they came, he having been born May 13, 1781. Some of my aunts were young women, and after grandfather's death, mothered the younger children. They also kept house for the family after grandfather's death for four years, where they first settled. In 1801 or 1802, it was so sickly on the Plains that the boys were unable to raise a crop and inconsistently left their first Ohio home and settled near Cynthiana. If fact, that town is a part of the purchase.

On the 19th day of June, 1806, my father married Sarah Horn. I know but little of her family history. She was from Pennsylvania. They settled in Brushcreek Township, about two miles from my present residence near Cynthiana. There they lived for many years and raised eight children, viz: Joseph H., William H., Nancy M., Eliza G., Louis M., James H., Enos and Julia Ann. As they settled in the woods, my father felled the trees, built a log cabin, cleared the farm and wrought out an independence for himself and family. He was a large, stout man, and could endure the hardships he was called to grapple with and subdue. He was noted for his simple, moral habits, great industry and probity of character. He was a member of the Presybterian church from boyhood, and a elder as long ago as I can remember. He inculcated in the minds of his children precepts of the Christian religion, which took root and grew with them, for all of them belonged to that church except Eliza, who attached herself to the Methodist Episcopal church.

In the second or "last" war with Great Britain, my father answered the famous "general call", and was out sixty days for which he received a land warrant.

My mother died in 1839, and father afterwards married Rebecca Ferneau, who now resides with me at the venerable age of 84. Father died on the 20th day of January, 1870, in his 89th year.

Brother Lewis is dead; so are Nancy, Eliza and Julia. They were married, and each of the sisters left children. All the living brothers and sisters are married and have raised children.

As to myself, I married Rose Ann Core, November 7, 1839. She is daughter of the late John Core, who lived to a great age and died only three years ago last September. We settled on my father's homestead, where we now reside. My wife was born on this farm. We have had six children--one died in infancy. The living ones are Sarah M., Catharine L., Rebecca J. and Lewis C. We were called upon to follow Mary E., the youngest, to the grave nearly three years ago. We have thirteen grandchildren.

For civil office I have never troubled myself to seek, but for several years was justice of the peace in Highland county. Brother Joseph was an elder in the Presbyterian church when he left here for Illinois, many years ago, and brother Enoch and myself sustain the same relation to the church in Cynthiana.

Children of JAMES WILSON and ROSE CORE are:
  i. SARAH M.6 WILSON.
 ii. CATHERINE L. WILSON.
iii. REBECCA J. WILSON.
 iv. LEWIS C. WILSON.
  v. MARY E. WILSON, b. Abt. 1870; d. 1873.

11.  ESTHER5 BARR (JANE4 WILSON, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1)  She married // GUSTIN.  

Child of ESTHER BARR and // GUSTIN is:
i.   FANNIE6 GUSTIN, m. // BALL.

Generation No. 4

12.  ELIZABETH FRANCES6 WILSON (ROBERT IMLEY5, JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was 
     born March 13, 1857 in Lockport, Carroll County, Indiana24, and died June 25, 
     1938 in Delphi, Carroll County, Indiana.  She married THADDEUS GUTHRIE August 
     27, 1879 in Idaville, Indiana24, son of JOHN GUTHRIE and BARBARA FOY.  He was 
     born December 09, 1831 in Chillicothe, Ohio, and died May 30, 1910 in Delphi, 
     Carroll County, Indiana24.

Notes for ELIZABETH FRANCES WILSON:
From the History of Carroll County [Indiana] notes for Mrs. Elizabeth F. Guthrie:

Mrs. Elizabeth F. Guthrie, widow of Thaddeus Guthrie, Rock township, Carroll County, was born on March 13, 1857, in Adams township of this county, and is a daughter of Dr. Robert I. Wilson and Jane Howlett Wilson. She grew to young womanhood at Lockport, Indiana, and at a proper age was sent to the public schools, after which she attended school at Delphi, and later entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute. After finishing her education, Mrs. Guthrie became a teacher, in which capacity she was engaged for three years prior to her marriage. Guthrie is one of the landowners in Rock Creek township, her farm having about three hundred acres. The home farm is one of the best farms in the county, the management of which is entirely under her own supervision. Mrs. Guthrie is an attendant of the Presbyterian Church at Burrows.

Dr. Robert I. Wilson, father of Mrs. Guthrie, was born on December 15, 1815, in Ross County, Ohio, and was a son of John and Lucy Taylor Wilson. His wife was Jane Howell (Howlett?) Wilson, by whom he had eight children, namely: John W., deceased; Mary B, the wife of Lafayette McReynolds; Emily J., who was married to William Guthrie; Lucy C., who became the wife of Adam Gibson; Louise was united in marriage with Alfred Guthrie; Elizabeth Frances, the widow of Thaddeus Guthrie; James A. H., who was married to Dr. Mary Brown, and Clara M., who died in infancy. After the death of his wife, Dr. Robert I. Wilson was married secondly, to Helen Parker, to which union were born two children, Minnie and Winnie, twins.

Notes for THADDEUS GUTHRIE:
Carroll County History gives birth date as December 5, 1831. (p. 357) It goes on to state: He came to Carroll county in 1840. His education was obtained in the public schools of the district. To this union six children were born, Louise F., Winifred B., Lahre A., Mary W., Annie S., and Jane H. Louise F. was graduated from the public schools and afterward became the wife of Christian Blankinship, and is teaching school in North Dakota; Winifred B. is a graduate of the public schools, the Holy Angels Academy, the South Dakota Normal School, and is a student at Indiana State University; Jane H. is a graduate of the Delphi high school and is also a student at Indiana State University. [This was probably the present Indiana University.] The prosperous and valuable farm on which Mrs. Guthrie resides and which she manages is known as "Brookside Farm", and is situated ten miles east of Delphi, Indiana, on rural route number 1, Rockfield, where she has many warm and congenial friends and acquaintances.

Marriage Notes for ELIZABETH WILSON and THADDEUS GUTHRIE:
Marriage date in "Carroll County History" was August 31, 1879.
Marriage date in "Ross County History" was August 27, 1879.

Children of ELIZABETH WILSON and THADDEUS GUTHRIE are:

  i.  WINIFRED B.7 GUTHRIE, b. September 24, 1882, Delphi, Carroll County, 
      Indiana; d. November 26, 1908, Williston, North Dakota; m. ADOLPH G. ERDMAN; 
      b. August 01, 1883, Posen, Germany; d. April 24, 1950, Quartzsite, AZ24.
 ii.  LOUISE F. GUTHRIE.
iii.  LAHRE A. GUTHRIE.
 iv.  MARY W. GUTHRIE.
  v.  ANNIE S. GUTHRIE.
 vi.  JANE H. GUTHRIE.

13.  MARY ELIZABETH6 WILSON (ISAAC CROTHERS5, JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was 
     born March 02, 1846 in Ross County, Ohio, and died January 15, 1929 in 
     Sullivan County, Indiana.  She married JOSIAH BRYAN November 14, 1867 in 
     Fayette County, Ohio, son of ZEPHANIAH BRYAN and MATILDA WAUGH.  He was born 
     September 04, 1842 in Ross County, Ohio, and died November 18, 1901 in Gill 
     Township, Indiana25.

Notes for MARY ELIZABETH WILSON:
Newspaper article:
 

WELL-KNOWN ELDERLY WOMAN DIES AT HOME OF SON, ISAAC BRYAN, BODY BROUGHT HERE: (Sullivan, Indiana)

Mrs. Mary E. Bryan, 83 years old, one of the most highly respected and greatly loved older residents of Sullivan, passed away at the home of her son Isaac Bryan in Terre Haute Tuesday morning. Mrs. Bryan has been ill for the past few weeks and despite loving care and expert attention, her weakened condition and advanced age were handicaps that could not be overcome when her illness became so critical.

Mrs. Bryan came to Sullivan in 1904 and has lived here since that time, winning by her pleasing personality friends by the score. The body will be brought from Terre Haute to the Bryan home at 411 North Main Street, but definite funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

The beloved woman is survived by her one son Isaac Bryan and by nine grand children, Viola and Arthur Bryan at Columbus, Ohio, and Mrs. Mary Bryan Scott, Floyd, Earl, Helen, Ruth, Raymond and Faybelle Bryan, the children of Isaac Bryan.

Buried in Carlisle Cemetery.

Notes for JOSIAH BRYAN:
In 1870 census of Osage County, Burlingame, Kansas Census:
Josiah Bryan, age 28, farmer, born in Ohio; Mary, wife, age 22. Value of personal estate was $200.

In 1880 Census, Fayette County, Jefferson Twp., Ohio:
 

Josiah Bryan, w,m, 38, married, Farmer, born in Ohio, parents born in PA and OH
Mary, w,f, 32, wife, House wife, born in Ohio, parents born in OH an OH
Luie Bell, dau, 9 at school
Eddie(?) son, 9
Isaac, son, 4
Eva, dau., 2
Johnnie(?) Jones, w,m, 18, servant, farm labor
Kath. Hulman(?) w,f, 22, servant

Other Bryans in same county were John Bryan, 38, farmer, wife age 32; Children Albert H., age 26, carpenter; Harmon 18, at home; Rosa J. 17, at home; Z. Taylor North, age 26, Plasterer, value of personal property $100, born in Ohio; and Hamilton Bryan age 18, farmer, value of personal property $250.

Francis Bryan, Superior Township, age 28, farmer, value of real estate $5000, personal property $600; born in Ohio. Wife age 23, 4 children (illegible).

Joseph Bryan, Osage County, Burlingame Township, age 51, farmer; $2000 real estate, $1000 personal property, born in Ohio; wife Charity, age 44, born in Ohio; Jennie, age 19, born in Ohio; Effie, age 10, born in Ohio.

Thomas Bryan, Greenwood County, Eureka Township.

From The History of Sullivan County (Indiana) 1909

.....Josiah and Mary (Wilson) Bryan, both born in Ross county, Ohio, Josiah on September 4, 1842, and Mary on March 2, 1846. Josiah, who followed farming for a livelihood, came to Indiana in 1901, having the year before purchased one hundred and ninety-eight acres of land in Gill township. Here he conducted a successful farming business until his death in November of the same year in which he came to this place to reside. After his death the widow resided on the same farm until 1906, when she purchased a home on North Main street in Sullivan, where she expects to spend the remainder of her days. Josiah Bryan enlisted in 1862, at Chillicothe, Ohio, in Company I, Seventy-third Ohio Regiment, and served three years and nine months. He was slightly wounded in the ankle, and at another time in the stomach. The children of Josiah and Mary (Wilson) Bryan were: Flora, deceased; Louie, deceased; Edward, residing in Colorado; Isaac A., of this notice; and Eva, deceased.

(Also in History of Sullivan County (Edward W. Bryan))..

(Josiah) went to Kansas from Ohio in 1869 and followed farming for five years, he having purchased school land there to the amount of eighty acres. Subsequently he disposed of the Kansas land and returned to Ohio, remained in Fayette county until he moved to Indiana and located in Sullivan county, where he died in the autumn of 1901.

Josiah Bryan joined the Union Army and served from October 1861 to July 1865, fighting in many battles and being wounded twice. On a scroll 24" x 36", his discharge is handwritten as follows:

To all whom it may concern, know ye that Sergt Josiah Bryan has been honorably discharged from the service of the United States...May future generations never forget the debt of gratitude they owe to the brave boys in blue who on land and sea volunteered their services during that memorable struggle for the preservation of our union. Know ye that Sergt Josiah Bryan enlisted on the 26th day of October, 1861 and mustered into the United States service at Camp Logan, Chillicothe, State of Ohio on December 30, 1861 as a Corporal of Co. I, 73rd Regt. Ohio Volunteer Infantry under Captain Lewis H. Burkett and Colonel Orland Smith to serve 3 years or during the War. The Regiment was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 11th Corps of the Army of the Potomac to April 1864, then 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20 Corps of the Army of the Cumberland and participated in the engagements at Williamsville, VA April 27, 1862, McDowell, VA May 8, Cross Keys June 8, Cedar Mt. Aug 9, Freeman's Ford August 23-25, 2nd Bull Run August 30, Chancellorsville May 1-4, 1863, Gettysburg, PA July 1-3, Lookout Valley, Tenn. Oct. 29, Mission Ridge Nov. 25, Resaca, Ga. May 13-16, 1864, New Hope Church or Dallas May 28 to June 4, Pine Mt. June 14, Kenesaw Mt. June 9-30, Peach Tree Creek July 20, Culp's Farm June 22, 1864, Siege of Atlanta July 28-Sept. 2, March to the Sea Nov. 15 to Dec. 10, 1864, Fayetteville, N.C. March 13, 1865, Averasboro, N.C. March 16, 1865, Bentonville, N.C. March 19-21, 1865, and many minor affairs. Said Josiah Bryan was wounded October 29, 1863 in Battle of Lookout Valley, Tenn., promoted to Sergeant March 1, 1864, to 1st Sergeant July 1, 1865. Was in all movements of Regiment. Was mustered out and Honorable Discharged with Company July 20, 1865 at Louisville, Ky. by order of the War Department.

Josiah died of typhoid fever after the disease affected his family: his wife, two sons and a daughter. He had moved from Staunton, Ohio little more than a year earlier, to Sullivan, Indiana.

In the HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO, by R. S. Dills, 1881, p. 351, Thyphoid Fever, or milk fever is described as follows:

One of the greatest scourges to the early settlers in this county, a disease known as milk-sick or trembles, which not only affected cattle, sheep, hogs, horses and dogs, but the human family as well. Human beings and stock would often be infected with disease without any symptoms manifested until brought into account certain conditions, when it would suddenly develop itself with languid and fatal effects. Cattle driven until heated would become sick if the disease had come upon them. Those who wished to purchase stock, either for trade or for butchering, took means to heat them up previously. Reflecting the symptoms, it has been given various names, such as sour stomach, swamp-sickness, fires, slows, stiff joints, puking, river sickness, etc. Symptoms are vomiting, purging, extreme nervous agitation, obstinate constipation, low temperature of body, dry tongue and skin. Treatment includes soothing the stomach with opiates; blister; use castor oil and injection of nitric acid has also proved efficacious in exteme cases. Gentle emetics, laxatives with quiet and drinks are used. (This article, written in 1881, revealed that little was known about pasturization of milk as a method of controlling disease.)

He is buried in the Carlisle Cemetery.

In Henry B. Baldwin's Genealogical Records, Public Library of Youngstown, a will book index lists the following:

More About JOSIAH BRYAN: Cause of Death: Typhoid Fever

Children of MARY WILSON and JOSIAH BRYAN are:
 i. FLORA MATILDA7 BRYAN, b. October 01, 1869; d. April 17, 1870.
ii. LOUIE BELLE BRYAN, b. November 08, 1870, Burlingame, Osage County, Kansas; 
    d. July 12, 1894, Staunton, Ohio.

Notes for LOUIE BELLE BRYAN:
OBITUARY, July 26, 1894

iii. EDWARD WILSON BRYAN, b. November 17, 1873, Burlingame, Osage County, Kansas; 
     d. April 04, 1916, Columbus, Ohio; m. EVA L. HYER, April 07, 1880; b. April 
     07, 1880, Ohio.

Notes for EDWARD WILSON BRYAN:

iv.  ISAAC ALVIN BRYAN, b. January 26, 1876, Fayette County, Ohio; d. February 20, 
     1937, Terre Haute, Indiana, Vigo County; m. IDA BELLE HOLT, January 07, 1903, 
     Gill Township, Sullivan County, Indiana26; b. January 09, 1886, Pickaway 
     County, Ohio27; d. January 01, 1956, Terre Haute, Indiana, Vigo County.

Notes for ISAAC ALVIN BRYAN:

v.  EVA ALMA BRYAN, b. August 07, 1878, Fayette County, Ohio; d. November 19, 
    1901, Gill Township, Indiana28.