- "WILSON. In the death of Mr. Samuel Wilson, of Bathurst, which took place on Saturday morning last, there is ended a generation of one of the earliest, if not the earliest settlers of this county. Death came with a suddenness, and cut off from this world of activity a man who was the embodiment of everything that stood for good and advancement. Mr. Wilson attended the funeral of his niece Mrs. Brownlee on Friday after Christmas, and in a week plus one day more is himself a corpse. On nomination day he attended at the Bathurst Town Hall, and as ever took a keen interest in the proceedings. While there he suffered a sharp pain in the small of his back, and was at once sent to his home. Medical assistance was given him, but the doctor said that his once iron frame had collapsed. Mr. Wilson lingered on till Saturday early in the morning, when his soul cast off from its frail anchor - the body. Deceased gentleman was born on the Wilson homestead in Bathurst, sixth line, in 1834, the son of James Wilson. His father with his grandfather emigrated from County Armagh, Ireland, shortly after the beginning of the nineteenth century. The exact year is not known, but it was some time before 1815, as in that year three French settlers, who were taken prisoners at Waterloo and given their discharge, settled opposite the Wilsons, and the latter were the first in that primeval forest. Naturally, they had to carve out a farm for themselves, and this was a matter of no small difficulty. The old country people were not good with the axe; they could flail peas and dig drains, but their younger sons could chop all around them. Mr. James Wilson, the father of the deceased, helped to chop along Foster Street, town. He died some thirty-five years ago, and in ten years was followed to the grave by his life-partner, who was a Scotch woman of a strong frame. The subject of this obituary grew up practically with the Township of Bathurst. About thirty-four years ago, he married Jennie [sic - Jane or Jean], daughter of Neil McLaren, of the 4th line Bathurst, His wife and five children survive: Fred. of homestead; William 6 line Bathurst; Edwin, a dental student; Mrs. James McViety, Elmsley, and Miss Bella at home. Mrs. Wodden, of town, is a first cousin. Mr. Wilson perhaps was the most prominent man in all Bathurst. We was a very successful farmer, and was looked up to by all. He was very muscular, standing over six feet in height. His services were required in the Township Council, and the confidence arising from his duty as councillor he inspired in his fellow farmers resulted in his election as Reeve. In the County Council he used the same wise and cool judgement, and was appointed Warden. In all Mr. Wilson spent some twenty or twenty-five years in the service of the municipality of Bathurst. The best interests, of not only Bathurst but the whole country, were his interests and he fought for them. Mr. Wilson was identified with all prominent associations, and was one of the founders of the Lanark County Mutual Farmer's Fire Insurance Company in 1896. He was elected to the directorate and three years ago chosen president. A prominent man of this town in speaking of the deceased gentleman said he was a splendid businessman, with a sense of up-rightness and honor in his make-up. He was know far and wide in the county and enjoyed every man's confidence. He could give an opinion on almost every subject and back it up logically. His death removes one whose familiar and cheery face will be missed by many, and he is the last of his generation. The funeral took place on Monday to Elmwood Cemetery and was over a mile long. Six nephews acted as pall-bearers: Dr. S. C. Wilson, A. T. Wilson, J. C. Wilson, James Darou, Edward K. Wilson, and Ernie Wilson, North Gower. The Rev. Mr. Currie conducted the services."
[Col. 1, Pg. 3; The Perth Courier; Friday, 9 Jun 1903; Vol. LXX, No. 20]
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1833 - 1903 (69 years)
