George Wilson
Submitted by Donnie PickardVan Buren County Democrat, June 9, 1911
A Veteran of Creek War Born in North Carolina in 1795
Some several weeks since our correspondent at Rex made mention of the residence in that community of a gentleman by the name of Wilson, who, it was stated, was the oldest gentleman in the county if not in the state. At the request of the editor of the Democrat or correspondent recently sought an interview with this venerable citizen upon which occasion he obtained additional information relative to his birth and eventful career, favoring the Democrat with the following report of his visit.
George Wilson, a veteran of two wars, is Van Buren County's oldest citizen, and probably the oldest man in the state. He was born in North Carolina in 1795, when the American flag was less than twenty years old, the country sparsely settled and the few settlements ravaged by the merciless bands of Indians.
His father's first house was constructed of Chestnut bark, deep into the wilderness in which young George grew to be quite an athlete.
When Mr. Wilson was just fifteen years old the Creek Indians waged war against the United States and the latter called for volunteers to which our subject responded, being assigned to the company under Capt. Kelsey. The company was detailed for scout duty, but before any battle was fought peace was declared and they stacked arms at Ashville, N. C. After this he engaged in the trading of stock between the Carolinas. When the Civil war broke out he was assigned to home guard, being too old for service in the regular army.
Mr. Wilson moved to this county in 1897 and here of late his hearing has become so greatly impaired that one can scarcely make himself understood. This very old man, who has watched the progress of these United States since four years before George Washington was laid to rest at Mt. Vernon, and has participated in defense of his country in two different wars, received for his compensation the small sum of $8 per month. His wife, who is fifteen years his junior, still survives and is a very amiable little woman.