WILSON, Abel - Putnam

Abel Wilson, retired farmer, resides on section 15, Floyd Township, where he owns 140 acres of land. He was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, March 29, 1814, son of Alexander and Sarah (Lucas) Wilson, natives of Kentucky and of Irish-German ancestry. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812 under General Harrison. Their seven children all grew to maturity, Abel being the oldest. He was reared on a farm and has always been a farmer. He was married in Washington County, this State, in 1830 to Miss Julia Holesapple, daughter of George M. and Phebe (Hubbard) Holesapple, natives of Virginia and of German ancestry. Mrs. Wilson was born in Washington County, Indiana, in 1813. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have had six children, five of whom are living--Alexander, of Jasper County, Illinois; George W., of Danville, Illinois; William, a resident of Vermillion County, Illinois; John and Lucy A. resides in Floyd Township, and Sarah J., deceased. Mr. Wilson came to this county in 1832, settling in Floyd Township, where he has lived ever since with the exception of six months. He had nothing to commence with and started by renting land and taking jobs of work. He is a Democrat in politics. Religiously both himself and wife are members of the Disciple church. His early educational advantages were limited and he suffered all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. He is widely and favorably known, and is one of the solid men of the county.