The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1900-10-27
In Mem0riam.

bouthS LII " udN5. III d cOCh
sorely afflicted for several years, and
in consequence 1thereof retired from
active practice about three years ago.
DR.. Wilson was born and reared in
the northern part Of the county and
spent the early years OF his life on his
fathers farm. Benjamin and JENNIE
B. Wilson were his parents and were.
among the early pioneers OF this
county. He obtained his education
principally in the common schools,
and with the aid OF a private tutor,
was fitted for the prosecution of a
professional course. DR.. Moses S.
Harris. of Perry county. well known
to the early settlers Of this region,
fitted him for college and the ambitious
Young man entered Bellvue College,
New York, where he graduated March
18th, 1872. He also took a course in
the St. Louis Medical College and
was graduated therefrom. He imme-
diately located in this city and began
the practice of his chosen profession
which was continued successfully for
nearly half a century.
1t will be remembered that during
the prevalence of the cholera at Jack
son in 1852, DR.. Wilson took his life
in his hand and volunteered his per-
sonal and professional services to the
afflicted citizens of that town. The
sick, the dying and the dead were on
every side: and for weeks he remained
and gave his assistance to the victims
OF that dreadful scourge. In speaking
of this to the writer some months ago
he mentioned it only as one of the
ordinary incidents of his life, not
taking to himself any credit for so
courageous an act. His recital of the
events of that dreadful time was
touching in the extreme. 1t should be
stated in this connection that at no
time in his later career was this early
characteristic abandoned. No voice
for help was ever disregarded. The
poor always found him a friend.
On September 18th, 1853 DR.. Wilson
and Miss Ann Eliza, daughter Of
George w. and Ellen Shackelford
Juden, we're married. Three children
survive: Mrs Ellen Miller, of gilbert
son, Nebraska. Joseph Maple Wilson
and John Draper Wilson of this city.
DR.. Charles G. Wilson, the oldest
son, died some ten years ago. Mrs.
Wilson died in December, 1886.
On September Both, 1890, DR.. Wilson
and Miss Louisa 1. Giboney were
married. She survives him.
In addition tohis extensive practice.
he embarked in the drug business here
and conducted it successfully for many
years. He was a member of the Board
of Regents of the Southeast Normal
School in the early years of its ex-
~istence, and gave material assistance
in laying the foundation Of that school
on an enduring basis of success: was
president of the Southeastern District
Agricultural Society, also.of the Cape
Girardeau and Jackson Gravel Road
Company: was a large stakeholder.
vice-president and director of the
First National Bank of this city:
besides lending a helping hand to
various meritorious enterprises. In
his business life he accumulated a
moderate fortune.
DR.. Wilson took high rank in
Masonic circles. He was master OF
st. Marks Lodge a. F. and a. NJ.
for twenty-one years: was High Priest
of Wilson Royal Arch Chapter No.
10 fourteen years: and in 1888 was
elected Grand High Priest of Nilsson
ri: and was First Eminent Commander
of Cape Girardeau ~Commandery No,
IS, knights Templar for thlee years,
He was, also, First Master Workman
of Cape Lodge No. lbs, A. o. U. W.
: Any intelligent person who attended
course that accompanied the remain:
to Lorimier cemetery: who noted the
: more than respectful attention giver
to the ceremonies at the grave: who
heard the beautiful and impressive
burial service of the Knights Templal
? and of the A. F. and A. NJ; who saw
close around the grave of the eminent
doctor, people of all classes-any ont
who saw and heard all these, could
not refrain from asking: WHY IS ALI
t THIS? Why do the people OF al
classes and conditions appear hers
this blessed autumn eve? Why d.
these people mingle their tears viii
those OF the kindred of the beloved
dead? The answer readily comes
Because a good man is dead. Be
J cause here We part with the inertia
remains of him whose life q al
enduring benefaction to the peepk
with whom he lived.
T There is a law in natural sciencl
that no particle of matter is ever lost
1t may change its form but it is never
l lost. So by parity OF reasoning thert
; is a similar law in moral philosophy
I No charitable act however small, nj
kind word, no sympathy in distres!