History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

JOHN M. WILSON AND FAMILY                              D.M.C.

     John A. Wilson was born in Indiana May 21, 1841, and educated in the public schools of his native state. He enlisted in Company H Eighth Indiana Infantry, in response to the first call for volunteers in the Civil War. The enlistment was for only ninety clays and at the expiration of that time he enlisted again, (Oct. 1861) in the Forty-sixth Indiana, His first battle was at Rich Mountain, West Va., the next at New Madrid, Mo., then came Biddies Point, Mo., Fort Pemberton, Miss., Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, Siege at Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Chaton and Mansfield, La, At Mansfield he was taken prisoner and was held four months at Camp Ford, Texas, and four more months at Camp Gross, Texas, when he was exchanged December 8, 1864. He continued in service until he was discharged at Louisville on Sept. 4, 1865. His time of service covered the entire period of the war. He was wounded in the Red River Expedition in a battle which occurred after peace was declared.
     At the close of the war he went to Illinois and on February 4, 1869 was married to Nancy Chamberlain, a native of Ohio. They moved to Caldwell Co., Mo., and bought a farm. Four years later they came to Hood River, locating on land West of Belmont and from this home the entire family grew to maturity, receiving their education at the Barrett school. A choice collection of books owned by the Wilson family, aided materially in their development. Always interested in educational matters, Mr. Wilson was called to serve many years as director in the Barrett School and no one did, more than he for the welfare of the rising generation.
     Besides the father and mother, the family consists of Austin, Laura, George, Lee, Grace, Flora and Mrs. Viola Hinnish.
     Mrs. Wilson's mother, Mrs. Chamberlain, spent the last years of her life with her daughter and was tenderly cared for by children and grandchildren. The family residence is in the town of Hood River.

From Hood River Glacier

     John A. Wilson, a pioneer citizen of Hood River and well known Grand Army man, passed quietly away at his residence, Seventh and Eugene Streets, Hood River August 1, 1921, aged 80 years. A man of commanding figure, soldierly bearing and genial disposition, he will be missed from the thinning ranks of the Grand Army and by his neighbors throughout the valley in which he made his home for nearly half a century.
     Funeral services for Mr. Wilson were held from the residence at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, interment following at Idlewilde.

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