James Wilson

• General Notes
  • James Wilson came from Burnt Cabin, Bedford Co., Pa., in 1781, and purchased lot 291, where Smith’s store now is.  On it he erected a log house, and on the 3rd of October, at the first term of court in Washington County, he was licensed to keep a tavern.  Later, he bought lot 21 (where Charlton’s confectionery-store now is), on the east side of Main Street.  This lot was purchased on a certificate.  In 1792 he passed his title to his son Hugh.  A deed had previously been made to Hugh (Aug, 15, 1786).  A house was built on this lot, which at that time was the largest in the town, and in it the shows that visited the place and various amateur performances were held.  Dr. J. Julius Le Moyne first opened his drug-store in this house.  After his removal, Mrs. Baker’s Female Seminary was located there until her removal, in 1815, to a house on Maiden Street.  James Wilson lived in the house he built on the corner of Main and Beau Streets until his death, and his widow lived there several years after.  He died in 1792, and by his will left to his wife, Margaret, the use of two hundred acres of land adjoining the town until James, the youngest son, should be of age; then the farm was to be divided equally between James, Thomas, and John.  Hugh, the oldest son, had been provided for by property set off to him previously, among which was the lot on Main Street near Maiden.  The house and lot where James Wilson, Sr., lived and died was left to his youngest son, James, but it later came into the possession of Hugh Wilson, by whom it was owned many years.  A daughter (Matty) of James Wilson became Mrs. Bryson.  James, the youngest son, was a coppersmith, and lived in the town several years.  Of the other sons, except Hugh, nothing is known.