Warren N. Wilson

The ranks of the legal profession are largely recruited from among farmers’ ambitious sons. Such an one was Warren N. Wilson. He was born February 8, 1821, on the present site of the village of Baldwin. His parents were James and Jennie Wilson, (nee McBride.) They were natives of this county. George Wilson, his grandfather was one of the pioneers, coming here as he did in 1806. The Wilson’s were study (sturdy) energetic men, possessed of that vim and push so necessary in reaping success from frontier life.

Warren N. Wilson obtained in the home schools a fair education, and having determined to leave the path his father before him had trodden, i.e. farm life, for professional labor, entered Shurtliff College, Upper Alton, Illinois, where he attended three years. He next commenced the study of law with Hartzel and Johnson, and in 1877, after passing a highly creditable examination, was admitted to practice at the bar. Recognizing his eminent fitness for discharging the duties of the office, Judge Watts appointed him Master in Chancery in 1880, a position he yet holds and the duties of which he discharges with fidelity and care. Early in life Mr. Wilson espoused the cause of Democracy and vigorously defended its principles. His first Presidential vote was cast for Horace Greeley. He entertains the faith of his fathers, being, as were they, a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife’s maiden name was Helen Crittenden, a daughter of Richard Crittenden of old Kentucky. She adorns her station in life with the true grace of a daughter of Kentucky. By her Mr. Wilson has two bright children, John Thurman and Edmond Crittenden by name.

In the practice of his profession Mr. Wilson is earnest, pains-taking and is winning a fair share of practice; as a citizen he is a social, high-minded, and true to his friends.¹