GEORGE TOWNSLEY WILSON, who lives on and owns the original Wilson homestead in Haddon township, was born April 17, 1849, upon the three hundred acre farm where he now resides. This valuable farm home is situated two miles northeast of Paxton. He is a son of Martin and Mary P. (Lamb) Wilson. The father was born July 15, 1810, in Greene county, Ohio, and the mother was born September 21, 1822, in Sullivan county, Indiana. This worthy couple were married January 4, 1844. Martin Wilson came to Haddon township in 1822 and began working on a farm and later entered government land to the amount of two hundred and seventeen acres, to which he added until his landed estate amounted to four hundred acres. This land was all one vast forest when he came to the country and he, through a long series of years and great toil, succeeded in subduing it and making a beautiful and productive farm of what he found a wilderness. Politically he was a Democrat. His wife was a devout member of the Christian church. He died June 15, 1890, on his farm, and his wife laid down the burden of life January 9, 1857, many years prior to his death. The following children were born of their union: Mary Jane, born October 17, 1844, married William Carl Usrey, of Sullivan, whose history appears elsewhere in this work; William Lowery, born October 12, 1846, died February 6, 1888, in Greene county, Indiana; George Townsley, of this notice; Joseph, born January 7, 1852, died August 7, 1888, at Golden, Colorado, where he was farming; Sarah Ann, born September 25, 1855, married John T. Whitmire.
George T. Wilson of this biographical notice remained on the home farm until both parents were dead. He attended the public schools and worked dutifully, and early learned the necessity of saving and wisely investing his earnings. The old homestead is now his property, the same comprising three hundred acres, upon which he methodically farms and raises stock for the market. Politically Mr. Wilson is a believer in the principles of the Democratic party. He is unmarried and for the last few winter seasons has visited various states of the Union, chiefly in the south.