The San Francisco call., 1896-06-28

opened restaurant near the corner OF Clay
and Pike streets, in which he was quite sue
cessful. 1t was near the Postofhce at that
time. On the removal of the Postothce, IN
1851, he sought another location and OBJ
tanned from Captain J. l.. Folsom the
lot on the northwest corner OF Sansome
and Halleck streets, upon which ne erected q
building afterward known as "Wilson's Ex-
change" it being the second brick building
erected upon Sansome street. 1t soon became
one of the most noted hotels in San Francisco.
1t was opened in December, 1851, and became
the popular resort for people all over the State,
especially for those connected with politics
Its receipts averaged from $l7, 600 to 1000
month. 1t has more recently been known as
the american Exchange" When the panic
of 1886 ensued, Mr.. Wilson became the
proprietor of the Railroad House on Clay
street, running through to Commercial. By
this vocation he became extensively and popu-
larly known.
In 1855 he joined the American party, by
whom he was elected a State Prison Dl-
rector, Mr.. Wilson running ahead OF his ticket
At this time the prison contained above DUO
prisoners, but the extravagance and waste In
its management so disgusted him that upon
the meeting of the Legislature he went to Sac
ramento and consulting II. S. Foote and Fl. A.
Crab, noted members of the party, he sue
ceeded in having q bill passed that recon-
structed the State prison management and
legislated himself and colleagues out of offlee
after having served some three months.
He was among the first to go to Nevada when
the mining excitement commenced there, but
not meeung Win mucQ success he SOON
returned to San Francisco and took an active
part in politics. His extensive and intimate
acquaintance with the politicians throughout
the State, and his universal popularity with
them, soon made him an important factor in
all political affairs, both as to men and
measures, which Importance is recognized and
continues up to the present time, and to i'm
portant legislation and individual as pira ton
alike he has been considered political neces-
sity; and success in either case has been due in
numerous instances to his personal influence
and advocacy. He has been Identified pol1ti-
cally with the most noted measures and men
of mis- time. He was warm personal friend OF
Broderick and Baker He was allied with
Stanford, Sargent, Phelps, Low and the other
prominent men in afiiliation with the Republi-
can party in their political contests from the
origin of the party to the present time.
The passing of the Dill authorizing the Mer-
camille Library to cancel its debt of $3.50, 900
by aid of lottery was greatly due to his
personal influence and management Few
characters have welded so great and it may
be justly said, better influence in the politics
of the State for the last forty years than old
uncle "Zeke'' Wilson, as his numerous friends
affectionately term him.
Mr.. Wilson was married in early life before
coming to California to Miss Shumway, a
most estimable lady of noted and honorable
Huguenot descent, who, it is sad to state, has
been stricken with grievous sickness in recent
years They have had issue two children, one
ing and accomplished young lady, who is the
sunlight and JOY of her loving parents.
Early in the sixties Mr. wilson acquired
some eighty acres of land in what is now
known as the Richmond district in San Fran
cisco, great portion of which, now laid out
in city lots is still retained by him. and which
it is gratifying to his friends to know, enables
him to pass the remainder of his days in his
lovely rural home almost in the heart of the
great city that he has seen grow up around
him, with his loved ones, and surrounded with
all the comfort and luxury that their hearts
can desire.
Although "Uncle Zeke'' is now in age and
lucid, and to sit with him and listen to his
"reminiscences of the past, embellished with
anecdote and dramatic incident, and enhanced
by the genial, cordial hospitality of himself
and daughter in their beautiful home, is rare
treat, and historically entertaining.
Among all of his contemporaries in the DO
Htical arena not an enemy exists, and there is
not one who has known him in all these years
who does not sincerely and heartily wish him
many continued years of life. comfort and
happiness. w. f. SwAsEY.