James Garfield Wilson
From MouserAncestry
James Garfield (Jim) Wilson was a son of James Luther Wilson and Elizabeth A. Stoughton. He was born in 1887, the third of four children. He was, however, the older of the two remaining boys when his older brother and sister both died young. Jim and younger brother Bert worked with their father at the sawmill, and on the farm. He married Lorena Bernice Mayer, and they had seven children between 1909 an 1922. Over the years they acquired land from Lorena's paternal grandfather, from Jim's maternal grandfather John C. Stoughton, from his father James L. Wilson, and from Jim's uncle Sol Stoughton. Much of his land lay in the area of present day Moraine State Park. After the death of Lorena Jim remarried. His second wife was Della Reddick Wicks and they had three children. Both Jim and Bert followed the "oil excitement" to Venango County, hiring contractor Harry Fithian from Butler to drill wells on their property. Jim died five days before Christmas, in 1931, only two years after the death of his father. He was buried by Lorena at West Liberty Cemetery.
| Date | Location | Notes | Sources | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 22 Aug 1887 | Brady Twp., Butler County, PA | See residence of James L. Wilson, 1880/90 | [6][14] |
| 1st Marriage | m.1909; widowed 1924 | To Lorena Bernice Mayer (1890-1924) | [3][6][10] | |
| 2nd Marriage | by 1925 | To Della Reddick (Wicks)(1886-1968) | [5][7][10] | |
| Death | 19/20 Dec 1931 | nickleville, Venango Co. PA | cause of death: stroke. | [6][14] |
| Burial | West Liberty Cemetery, Brady Twp., Butler Co., PA | [6] |
Ancestry chart segment
Generation 3 Generation 4
+-- James L. Wilson
| (1857-1929)
+-- James Garfield Wilson --+
| (1887-1931) |
| +-- Elizabeth Ann Stoughton
| (1862-1932)
+-- 1) Lorena Bernice Mayer
| (1890-1924)
|
+-- 2) Della Reddick (Wicks)
(1886-1968)
Sources: [7][11]
Children
( children with Lorena Bernice Mayer)
| Name | Gender | Date of Birth | Birthplace | Spouse | Notes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Pearl Wilson | F | 1909 | Clifford Bickel | died 6 Nov 1980 | [3][4][7][8][10][11][12][13][14] | |
| Alvin Merle Wilson | M | 1910 | Elda M. Bickel | died 19 Dec 1990 | [4][5][7][8][10][11][14] | |
| Brice Clayton Wilson | M | 30 Oct 1912 | Brady Twp, Butler Co.PA | Margaret Headland | died 26 Feb 1970 Clay Twp Butler Co PA buried W. Liberty Cem, Brady Twp. Butler Co. PA cause of death: hit by car; internal injuries Obit 27 Feb 1970 Butler Eagle p.1,2 |
[4][5][7][8][10][11][13][14] |
| Bernice Evelyn Wilson | F | 13 July 1915 | Charles W. "Chuck" Wimer | died 26 Dec 1986, Elwood City, Lawrence Co. PA , bur. Zion Bapt., Worth T. Butler Co. PA | [4][5][7][8][10][11][14] | |
| Kenneth James Wilson | M | 3 Feb 1918 | Brady Twp. Butler Co. PA | Mary unknown | died 25 Mar 1967, Los Angeles CA cause of death: heart attack |
[4][5][7][8][10][11][13][14] |
| Dorothy Frances Wilson | F | 14 Feb 1920 | West Liberty borough, Butler Co. PA | m. 8 May 1937 in Slippery Rock, Butler Co. PA To: Paul Frederick Heckethorn (b. 29 Nov 1908, Foxburg, Clarion Co. PA d.7 Oct 1977 Pittsburgh PA ) cause of death: heart attack; buried Restland Cem, Monroeville, Allegheny Co. PA; Parents: James Frederick Heckethorn & Della Catherine Miller |
Dorothy was living in 2009. 5 Children: Della (Dudrick), Janice(Finke),James, Paul Keith,& David Heckathorn. Janice "Jan" died 1 Sept 2014. | [5][7][8][10][11][14][16] |
| Homer Dean Wilson | M | 15 Apr 1922 | West Liberty borough, Butler Co. PA | Helen McCready | (living in 2009) | [5][7][8][10][11][14] |
(children with Della Reddick (Wicks) )
| Name | Gender | Date of Birth | Birthplace | Spouse | Notes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Edward Wilson, Sr. | M | 31 Oct 1925 | West Liberty borough, Butler Co. PA | Bernice S. Fulmer b. 17 Jan 1934 White Twp, Indiana Co.PA d. 13 Mar 1999 Indiana, Ind. Co. PA buried Elderton Cem. Obit 14 Mar 1999 Indiana Gazette sec. B,pg 3 Parents: Roy Fulmer & Dorothy B. Brandon |
d. 3 Jan 1998, Indiana RD 2, Indiana Co. PA Cremation Jan 1998; ashes buried Mar 1999 (when his wife died) Elderton Cem.; cause of death: heart trouble Military: WWII U. S. Navy Obit 5 Jan 1889 The Indiana Gazette pg. 16 ; son, James Edward Wilson Jr (2 Mar 1957-26 Dec 2004 |
[5][7][10][11][13][14] |
| Mary Jane Wilson | F | 10 Apr 1929 | m. 8 May 1946 to Arthur Roy Fleming (b. 1924- d. week of ~11-16 Dec, 2011) |
died 4 Feb 2009, bur. 7 Feb 2009 Greenwood Cem., Indiana,Ind. Co. PA |
[5][7][9][10][11][13][14][15] | |
| Mabel Aileen Wilson | F | 7 July 1930 | West Liberty borough, Butler Co. PA |
Roy Edward Fleming b. 20 Sep 1925, in Armstrong T., Indiana Co. PA; d. 25 May 1986 in Armstrong T., Indiana Co. PA; buried Greenwood Cem, Indiana PA |
(living in 2009) | [5][7][10][11][13][14] |
Places of Residence
| Location | Dates | Notes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Township, Butler County, PA | b. 1887 -1900 | See residence of James L. Wilson, 1880/90 | [1] |
| West Liberty,Brady Twp., Butler Co., PA | by 1910 -1930 | with wife | [3][4][5] |
| Venango County, PA | [8] |
Photo Gallery
Sources
| Ref. Num. | Description | Image of original | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1900 United States Federal Census, Brady Township, Butler County, PA, Page 2, lines 94-98 lists James G. Wilson (sic), 43, born Feb. 1857, married to Elizabeth A. Wilson, 38, born Feb. 1862. They are listed as having been married for 20 years. They live with their three sons, John G. Wilson (sic), 19, born Oct. 1880; James G. Wilson, 12, born Aug. 1887; and Bert W. Wilson, 10, Feb. 1891. Elizabeth is listed as having mothered 4 children, three of which are alive. The place of birth of James and his parents is listed as PA. James is listed as a Farmer and his son John is listed as a farm laborer. All members of the household are listed as being able to read, write, and speak English. James is listed as owning the farm with no mortgage. |  | |
| 2 | 1910 United States Federal Census, Worth Township, Butler County, PA, Enumeration District 108, Page 3, lines 73-77 lists James L. Wilson, 53, married to Elizabeth A. Wilson, 48. They are listed as having been married for 30 years. Elizabeth is listed as having born 4 children, three of which are alive. The three children, John L. Wilson, 28, James G. Wilson , 22, and Bert W. Wilson, 19, are listed as still living with their parents. Everyone in the family and their parents are listed as being born in PA. Everyone can read, write, and speak English. James is listed as a farmer on his own land. |  | |
| 3 | 1910 United States Federal Census, Brady Township, Butler County, PA, Enumeration District 58, Page 3, lines 8-11 lists James G. Wilson, white male age 22, has been married one year, Sawmill laborer; wife Lorena B. Wilson, age 19, has given birth to one child and it is still alive; daughter Sara P. Wilson, age 10 months. Mabel A. Campbell, white female servant, age 18, single. All born PA, all parents born PA. All 3 adults can read & write. This census is dated 19 Apr 1910. |  | |
| 4 | 1920 United States Federal Census, West Liberty Township, Butler County, PA, Enumeration District 3, Page 4, lines 76-82 lists James G. Wilson, 32, married to Rena Wilson, age "Un". They live with daughter Pearl Wilson, 10; son Merle Wilson, 8; son Brice C. Wilson, 6; daughter Bernice E. Wilson, 4; and son Kenneth Wilson, 2. Pearl and Merle attended school within the last year. James, Rena, and Pearl can read, write, and speak English. Everyone and their parents were born in PA. James G. Wilson is a farmer. This census page is dated 26 Jan 1920, though margin notes indicate that this particular entry was taken on 27 Jan 1920. Note: West Liberty is in Brady Twp.; there is no West Liberty township. |
 | |
| 5 | 1930 United States Federal Census, West Liberty Township, Butler County, PA, Enumeration District 67, Page 1, lines 9-20 lists James G. Wilson, 43, married to Della R. Wilson, 43. They were both 21 at the time of their first marriage. They live with son Merl A. Wilson, 19; son Brice C. Wilson, 17; daughter Vernice E. Wilson, 14; son Kenneth J. Wilson, 12; daughter Dorothy H. Wilson, 8; son Homel W. Wilson, 7; son James E. Wilson, 3; daughter Mary J. Wilson, 1 year 11 months; daughter Ma[illegible] E. Wilson, 8 months; and stepdaughter Betty Wicks, 7. Vernice, Kenneth, Dorothy, and Homel attended school within the last year. Everyone can read and write except for Homel, James E., Mary, Mabel E., and Betty. James G. Wilson and his parents were born in PA. Della was born in WV, though her parents were both born in PA. All of the children were born in PA. James G. Wilson is a farmer on land that he owns. Merl and Brice work as farm laborers. James E., Mary J., Ma[illegible], and Betty are listed as unable to speak English. |  | |
| 6 | Gravestone, West Liberty Cemetery transcribed June 2007 by Elizabeth Wilson Williams.
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| 7 | Manuscript of John T. Wilson researched 1975-1985, including personal knowledge and interviews of McDeavitt cousins and of his aunts Stella Wimer (McNeese), Lizzy Wimer (McDeavitt), Meda Wimer (McDeavitt), and Mary Gahagan. | ||
| 8 | Russell W. Wilson, nephew of James G. Wilson; interviewed Sept 2006 by his niece Elizabeth Wilson Williams. | N/A
| |
| 9 | Personal correspondence from Elizabeth Wilson Williams, granddaughter of Bert Winiford Wilson. Includes June 2009 interview with Mary Jane Wilson Fleming (descendants of Velma Anna Wimer & Clifford Fleming); and ongoing correspondence with Pauline Fleming McCormick (death dates of Mary Jane Wilson and Roy Fleming). | ||
| 10 | Paul Keith Heckathorn, grandson of James G. Wilson; correspondence 1988-1991. Provided children's birthdates. | N/A
| |
| 11 | Obituary of James G. Wilson, Butler Eagle edition of 24 Dec 1931, from microfilm reel 48 pg 3; image contributed by Jan Finke. James G. Wilson aged 44 died at his home near Nickleville Saturday, Dec. 19. Funeral at home, Rev. Engle of West Liberty officiating; burial at West Liberty cemetery. Born in butler Co.; farmer. Married Lorena Mayer 8 July 1908; after her death in 1924 he married Della Reddich. Surviving are his widow Mrs. Della Reddich Wilson; 10 children Mrs Clifford Bickel of Keister, Merle, Rice, Bernice, Kenneth, Dorothy, Homer, James, Mary Jane & Mabel Wilson, all at home; and Bert Wilson of Nickleville. |
 | |
| 12 | Obituary of Lorena Bernice Mayer, Butler Eagle issue 30 Apr 1924, microfilm reel 18 pg 4. Image contributed by Jan Finke. Mrs Rena Wilson, wife of James Wilson died last night (i.e. 29 Apr 1924) at residence in West Liberty, of pneumonia. Member Methodist Episcopal church. Surviving are her husband & 7 chidren ages 2 to 17; 2 brothers Ford L. Mayer of Rochester PA, and Dallas Mayer of Youngstown O; sister Mrs Mary Adams of Youngstown O. Funeral May 1 at home, by Rev. Mr Swanson; burial at West Liberty Cemetery. |
 | |
| 13 | Obituary of Della Mae Reddick, Butler Eagle edition of 13 Mar. 1968; microfilm R-341, pg. 10. Image supplied to us June 2008 by Jan Finke. Mrs. Della Mae Wimer, 82, of Indiana PA, formerly Butler Co., died yesterday (ie. 12 Mar 1968). Born 17 Jan 1886 in West Virginia, daughter of Richard & Malinda Reddick. Survived by husband Lawrence Wimer; son James E. Wilson; 4 daughters: Mrs. Mike (Mae) Elchison, Mrs. Arthur Roy (Mary Jane) Fleming, Mrs. Roy E. (Mabel) Fleming, & Mrs. Clifford (Velma) Fleming; several step-children; 5 brothers: Harold, Cecil, Henry, Earl & Charles Reddick. Burial in Indiana PA. Note: Mae (Mrs. Mike Elchison)was a daughter of Della & 1st husband John Wicks. Velma (Mrs. Clifford Fleming) is actually Della's step-daughter; Velma was the adopted daughter of Della's 3rd husband, Lawrence J. Wimer, and his 1st wife Katherine Vogel. 3rd husband Lawrence J. Wimer was a son of Isaac C. Wimer and Margaret Jane Robinson |
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| 14 | Correspondence of Jan Finke, granddaughter of James G. Wilson, June 1008- ongoing.
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| 15 | Obituary Mary Jane Wilson Fleming, Indiana Gazette, 6 Feb 2009. Mary Jane (Wilson) Fleming, 80, of Indiana died 4 Feb 2009 at home. Survived by husband Arthur Roy Fleming, four sons, 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. |
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| 16 | Obituary Janice P. Heckathorn Finke, Pittsburgh Post Gazette 4 Sept 2014. Finke Janice P. (Heckathorn) On Monday, September 1, 2014, age 63, wife of Charles Finke. Survived by children Connie (Dan) Vitale, & Gary (Mary Jo) Finke; sister Della Dudrick, brothers James, Paul & David Heckethorn; 5 grandchildren. Service 6 Sept 2014 at Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave. |
Source notes
- Regarding the two 1910 census entries, it would appear that James L. Wilson and Elizabeth A. Wilson listed all of their living children even though some of them were no longer living there.
- We are informed (personal communication) there is no entry for Kenneth James Wilson's supposed death in California in the CA Death Index.
Conjecture
Research Wishlist
- Obituary Brice Clayton Wilson, 27 Feb 1970 Butler Eagle p. 1,2
