John Eskola Wilson ~ From Vihanti to Astoria
Although our surname is Wilson, we are not directly related to any Wilson ancestors anymore than the Benedicts are directly related to a Benedict line. Both of these surnames are "assumed" or adopted surnames. In the Wilson case, Johan Eskola changed his Finnish surname to Wilson when he settled in the United States somewhere between 1872-1888. [see notes below on 1880 and 1888.] Here we will chronicle John and Johanna Wilson and their descendants. John and Johanna had seven children; four boys grew to adulthood.
John Wilson, aka: Johan Thomasson Pyykölä Eskola
John Wilson - aka: Johan Thomasson Pyykölä Eskola
• 1880 Fed. Census, San Francisco, 8 June 1880, boarders at Dr.... Drucu Street, John Wilson, age 31, boarder, seaman, born in Sweden; parents born in Sweden. This is the only info on those folks enumerated on this sheet.• 1880 Fed. Found in San Francisco! John Wilson, age 31, seaman, boarder with the Henry Smith family, born in Sweden; also listed under the surname Wilson is Lars Wilson, age 36 and Harry Wilson, age 29, all born in Sweden, all boarders, seamen; enumerated 8 June 1880.
• 1888, Daily Morning Astorian lists this notice: “Notice is hereby given that by a decree of the county court of Clatsop County, Oregon, entered July 14th, 1888 the name of John Eskola has been changed to John Wilson." John Wilson, Sunday, July 15, 1888.
• 1900 Federal Census, Astoria City, #3 Columbia Avenue, lists John Wilson, age 49, married 19 years, emigrated to America in 1872 at age 22, occupation fisherman; children Edward, Fred, William & Richard; wife Hannah.
• 1910 Federal Census, Astoria City, #3 Columbia Avenue lists John Wilson, wife Johanna and children, Edward J., William, Fred C., and Richard A.; occupation steamboat engineer, emigrated in 1870. John & Johanna at their home on Columbia Avenue.
• 1910 Astoria City Directory: Wilson, John, residence, #3 Columbia Avenue. John Wilson home
• 1911 - Read the story of the steam schooner, "Washington" whose passengers were rescued by the tug, "Tatoosh". John Wilson was among the crew of the tug, "Tatoosh" that day and received a medal for his bravery.
• 1920 Federal Census, Astoria City, #72 Columbia Avenue lists John Wilson, age 69, emigrated in 1870, occupation salmon fisherman; wife Johanna; also living with them at the time (Jan. 8, 1910) were Edward Wilson, wife Bessie and son Howard, age 7; Ed’s occupation listed as cannery fisherman.
• 1920-21 Astoria City Directory lists Ed & Bessie Wilson; John & Johanna Wilson at 72 Columbia St. (CCHS).
• 1923 - From S. Ilmonen Books @ CCHS, Vol. II, 1923, Johan Wilson (Eskola) born 10 Aug 1850 in Vihanti, came to America in 1872; wife: Johanna Matson, born 15 Dec 1852 in Kokkola; married in Astoria in 1882; four sons. [p. 259].
John Wilson Family, Home and Family Photos
"Johan Wilson (Eskola), synt. elok. 10 p. 1850 Vihannissa. Amerikkan 1872. Ollut kalastajana, nykään kalakeittimön vahtimiehenä. Vo Johanna Matson, synt. jouluk. 15 p. 1852 Kokkolassa. Vihitty Astoriassa 1882. Neljä poikaa." [Translation: Has been a fisherman, nowadays a watchman in a fish cannery. Spouse Johanna M, born 15th of December 1852 in Kokkola**. Married in Astoria 1882. Four sons. ** John Wilson was born in Vihanti; Johanna was born in Kokkola. John Wilson died in Astoria in 1929.
• 1880 Fed. Census, San Francisco, 8 June 1880, boarders at Dr.... Drucu Street, John Wilson, age 31, boarder, seaman, born in Sweden; parents born in Sweden. This is the only info on those folks enumerated on this sheet.• 1880 Fed. Found in San Francisco! John Wilson, age 31, seaman, boarder with the Henry Smith family, born in Sweden; also listed under the surname Wilson is Lars Wilson, age 36 and Harry Wilson, age 29, all born in Sweden, all boarders, seamen; enumerated 8 June 1880.
• 1888, Daily Morning Astorian lists this notice: “Notice is hereby given that by a decree of the county court of Clatsop County, Oregon, entered July 14th, 1888 the name of John Eskola has been changed to John Wilson." John Wilson, Sunday, July 15, 1888.
• 1900 Federal Census, Astoria City, #3 Columbia Avenue, lists John Wilson, age 49, married 19 years, emigrated to America in 1872 at age 22, occupation fisherman; children Edward, Fred, William & Richard; wife Hannah.
• 1910 Federal Census, Astoria City, #3 Columbia Avenue lists John Wilson, wife Johanna and children, Edward J., William, Fred C., and Richard A.; occupation steamboat engineer, emigrated in 1870. John & Johanna at their home on Columbia Avenue.
• 1910 Astoria City Directory: Wilson, John, residence, #3 Columbia Avenue. John Wilson home
• 1911 - Read the story of the steam schooner, "Washington" whose passengers were rescued by the tug, "Tatoosh". John Wilson was among the crew of the tug, "Tatoosh" that day and received a medal for his bravery.
• 1920 Federal Census, Astoria City, #72 Columbia Avenue lists John Wilson, age 69, emigrated in 1870, occupation salmon fisherman; wife Johanna; also living with them at the time (Jan. 8, 1910) were Edward Wilson, wife Bessie and son Howard, age 7; Ed’s occupation listed as cannery fisherman.
• 1920-21 Astoria City Directory lists Ed & Bessie Wilson; John & Johanna Wilson at 72 Columbia St. (CCHS).
• 1923 - From S. Ilmonen Books @ CCHS, Vol. II, 1923, Johan Wilson (Eskola) born 10 Aug 1850 in Vihanti, came to America in 1872; wife: Johanna Matson, born 15 Dec 1852 in Kokkola; married in Astoria in 1882; four sons. [p. 259].
John Wilson Family, Home and Family Photos
"Johan Wilson (Eskola), synt. elok. 10 p. 1850 Vihannissa. Amerikkan 1872. Ollut kalastajana, nykään kalakeittimön vahtimiehenä. Vo Johanna Matson, synt. jouluk. 15 p. 1852 Kokkolassa. Vihitty Astoriassa 1882. Neljä poikaa." [Translation: Has been a fisherman, nowadays a watchman in a fish cannery. Spouse Johanna M, born 15th of December 1852 in Kokkola**. Married in Astoria 1882. Four sons. ** John Wilson was born in Vihanti; Johanna was born in Kokkola. John Wilson died in Astoria in 1929.
Johanna Mattsdotter Runtujärvi Mattson
Johanna (Mattsdotter Runtujärvi) Wilson - born in Gamlakarleby, Sweden (known now as Karleby, Finland), emigrated to US in 1881. Her heritage was identified as a "Swede-Finn". She met John Wilson in 1881 in Astoria; they married in 1882 in Astoria, Oregon. She was the last of three sisters who emigrated to America.
• Moving records from Karleby, Sweden, ämbetsbetyd för släktforskning, Karleby; Alexandra Johanna Mattsson born 15 June 1876 in Gamlakarleby without marriage; mother, housemaid, Johanna Mattsson born 11 Dec 1853 in Gamlakarleby, Sweden; in baptism book, no note about father; mother moved in the year 1875 from Gamlakarleby, unmarried; moved 15 June 1881 to San Francisco, unmarried. So it is unlikely that she would be in any US Fed. Census for 1880. There is an entry at CastleGarden.Org NY Passenger arrivals lists a Johanna Mattson emigrating in 1881; Johanna Mattson, servant, gentleman’s servant, age not listed, arrived 13 May 1881 from Sweden on the Assyria. 1880-1881.
• Family note: "Johanna and Aleksandra Mattson came to America (via New York) in 1881. Johanna came to live and work in a boarding house in Astoria, OR where she later met John WILSON, who came to live in the same boarding house. John WILSON came to America via Coos Bay in 1872, and from Coos Bay and found his way to Astoria.
• John and Johanna were married in Astoria, OR, 24 June 1882. It is said that Alex Rauma Matson and Adolph Andersson sponsored the passage for Johanna and her daughter, Aleksandra, to come to America. Adolph, Mathilda and Emil Andersson and Johanna and her daughter, Aleksandra who all traveled together in 1880 arriving first in New York then later making their way to Astoria." Johanna Mattsson brought her 5-year old daughter, Aleksandra, to America in 1881. The port of entry was NY and they made their way to the Finnish community of Astoria. Johanna found a place to live and employment in a local boarding house. Later she ran the boarding house. John Wilson came to live at the boarding house and John & Johanna met, and later married. 1882, on list of marriage licenses issued in 1882, [Daily Astorian, Jan. 1, 1883, p. 3,] Photo of Johanna from Vintage Fashion book, photo circa 1883.
• Link to Sandra Wilson Pänttäjä's life and family in California.
• John and Johanna's first child, John Edward Wilson was born in June 1883. They eventually had seven children, three of whom died young. Four sons, Ed, Fred, Bill and Dick grew to adulthood. Nice photograph of Johanna Wilson, photographer not noted.
• Moving records from Karleby, Sweden, ämbetsbetyd för släktforskning, Karleby; Alexandra Johanna Mattsson born 15 June 1876 in Gamlakarleby without marriage; mother, housemaid, Johanna Mattsson born 11 Dec 1853 in Gamlakarleby, Sweden; in baptism book, no note about father; mother moved in the year 1875 from Gamlakarleby, unmarried; moved 15 June 1881 to San Francisco, unmarried. So it is unlikely that she would be in any US Fed. Census for 1880. There is an entry at CastleGarden.Org NY Passenger arrivals lists a Johanna Mattson emigrating in 1881; Johanna Mattson, servant, gentleman’s servant, age not listed, arrived 13 May 1881 from Sweden on the Assyria. 1880-1881.
• Family note: "Johanna and Aleksandra Mattson came to America (via New York) in 1881. Johanna came to live and work in a boarding house in Astoria, OR where she later met John WILSON, who came to live in the same boarding house. John WILSON came to America via Coos Bay in 1872, and from Coos Bay and found his way to Astoria.
• John and Johanna were married in Astoria, OR, 24 June 1882. It is said that Alex Rauma Matson and Adolph Andersson sponsored the passage for Johanna and her daughter, Aleksandra, to come to America. Adolph, Mathilda and Emil Andersson and Johanna and her daughter, Aleksandra who all traveled together in 1880 arriving first in New York then later making their way to Astoria." Johanna Mattsson brought her 5-year old daughter, Aleksandra, to America in 1881. The port of entry was NY and they made their way to the Finnish community of Astoria. Johanna found a place to live and employment in a local boarding house. Later she ran the boarding house. John Wilson came to live at the boarding house and John & Johanna met, and later married. 1882, on list of marriage licenses issued in 1882, [Daily Astorian, Jan. 1, 1883, p. 3,] Photo of Johanna from Vintage Fashion book, photo circa 1883.
• Link to Sandra Wilson Pänttäjä's life and family in California.
• John and Johanna's first child, John Edward Wilson was born in June 1883. They eventually had seven children, three of whom died young. Four sons, Ed, Fred, Bill and Dick grew to adulthood. Nice photograph of Johanna Wilson, photographer not noted.
Fred C. Wilson, Photographer
Fred Wilson, Astoria Photograher - born in Astoria, Oregon
• 1912 - Article in the "Centennial History of Oregon", on Fred C. Wilson, proprietor of a splendidly equipped photographic studio in Astoria...representative of young business men of northwestern Oregon. - "Fred C. Wilson, proprietor of a splendidly equipped photographic studio in Astoria, his native city, was born here on the 30th of Aug 1888, and is one of the representative young business men of northwestern Oregon. His father, John Wilson, a native of Finland, was born in 1849 and became a resident of Astoria in 1880, since which time he was engaged in the fishing business. Unto him and his wife, Johanna Wilson, were born five [four] children who are yet living; Sandra [not John’s daughter by birth], the wife of William Pänttäjä, a resident of Berkeley, Calif; Edward who is living in Reedley, Calif.; William who is living in Reedley, Calif; Fred. C. of this review; and Richard, at home. At the usual age Fred C. Wilson entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he put aside his textbooks to become an active factor in the business world. For some time he was assistant to A.A,. Saari, a photographer, and eventually purchased the studio of H. S. Carter in January, 1909. He is still proprietor of this establishment and has built up a gratifying business. the studio contains four rooms, well-equipped for carrying on photography according to the latest processes. he had but little capital when he began business for himself but was soon accorded a liberal patronage because of the excellence of his work and has discharged all indebetedness on his studio and now has a profitable business. In his political views Mr. Wilson is a republican and keeps well informed on the the questions of the day. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and his fraternal relations are with the Foresters. He also belongs to the Four-A Athletic club. He is interested in music and his personal talent in that direction finds expression in his membership with the Pacific Orchestra, with which he was connected for seven years when the demands of his business left him no time for active participation in musical circles. For a time he was a piano player of the orchestra and later had the snare drums. His musical ability and attractive social qualities have gained for him many friends and he is rapidly making for himself a most creditable position in business circles of his native city." Fred Wilson was married to Agnes Kaarinen; he died in 1943 of cancer of the eye; no children. Additional stories and photos of Fred Wilson, pdf document.
• 1912 - Article in the "Centennial History of Oregon", on Fred C. Wilson, proprietor of a splendidly equipped photographic studio in Astoria...representative of young business men of northwestern Oregon. - "Fred C. Wilson, proprietor of a splendidly equipped photographic studio in Astoria, his native city, was born here on the 30th of Aug 1888, and is one of the representative young business men of northwestern Oregon. His father, John Wilson, a native of Finland, was born in 1849 and became a resident of Astoria in 1880, since which time he was engaged in the fishing business. Unto him and his wife, Johanna Wilson, were born five [four] children who are yet living; Sandra [not John’s daughter by birth], the wife of William Pänttäjä, a resident of Berkeley, Calif; Edward who is living in Reedley, Calif.; William who is living in Reedley, Calif; Fred. C. of this review; and Richard, at home. At the usual age Fred C. Wilson entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he put aside his textbooks to become an active factor in the business world. For some time he was assistant to A.A,. Saari, a photographer, and eventually purchased the studio of H. S. Carter in January, 1909. He is still proprietor of this establishment and has built up a gratifying business. the studio contains four rooms, well-equipped for carrying on photography according to the latest processes. he had but little capital when he began business for himself but was soon accorded a liberal patronage because of the excellence of his work and has discharged all indebetedness on his studio and now has a profitable business. In his political views Mr. Wilson is a republican and keeps well informed on the the questions of the day. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and his fraternal relations are with the Foresters. He also belongs to the Four-A Athletic club. He is interested in music and his personal talent in that direction finds expression in his membership with the Pacific Orchestra, with which he was connected for seven years when the demands of his business left him no time for active participation in musical circles. For a time he was a piano player of the orchestra and later had the snare drums. His musical ability and attractive social qualities have gained for him many friends and he is rapidly making for himself a most creditable position in business circles of his native city." Fred Wilson was married to Agnes Kaarinen; he died in 1943 of cancer of the eye; no children. Additional stories and photos of Fred Wilson, pdf document.
John Edward Wilson, "Ed"
John Edward "Ed" Wilson - born in Astoria Oregon, married Bessie Kangas in 1911 in Berkeley, Calif.
Ed Wilson was born in June 1883, the first born son of John & Johanna Wilson. Ed attended grade school through the eighth grade. Ed likely met his bride, Bessie Kangas, at the Lewis & Clark Exposition which was held in Portland, Oregon in 1905. They kept up a correspondence and Bessie spent time in Astoria with Ed and his friends prior to 1909. In 1909 Ed and Bessie decided to buy a farm in the arid farmland of Fresno County. The pair were married in 1911 in Berkeley, California. Bessie finally settled down at their farm in Parlier, California. It was on the corner of Clay & River Bend Avenues in Parlier, California and was called the Riverbend Farm. They grew Muscat grapes for raisins on their farm. In 1912 their son, Howard Wilson, was born there on the farm. See stories and photos from Ed's farm in California 1911-1918, pdf document.
• In 1918 they sold the farm, left the Parlier area and headed back to Astoria. Ed, Bessie, and Howard took an extended vacation on their way to Astoria where they lived for short time. They later spent a year in Portland where they leased to. manage the Empress Hotel in 1919. When the lease ran out they went back to Astoria for a few months.
• In 1920 they bought their farm in Beaverton where they lived until their last days.
• 1920 Federal Census, Astoria City lists Edward Wilson, wife Bessie and son Howard, age 7; Ed’s occupation listed as cannery fisherman; was living with his parents on 72 Columbia Ave. at the time.
Ed Wilson was born in June 1883, the first born son of John & Johanna Wilson. Ed attended grade school through the eighth grade. Ed likely met his bride, Bessie Kangas, at the Lewis & Clark Exposition which was held in Portland, Oregon in 1905. They kept up a correspondence and Bessie spent time in Astoria with Ed and his friends prior to 1909. In 1909 Ed and Bessie decided to buy a farm in the arid farmland of Fresno County. The pair were married in 1911 in Berkeley, California. Bessie finally settled down at their farm in Parlier, California. It was on the corner of Clay & River Bend Avenues in Parlier, California and was called the Riverbend Farm. They grew Muscat grapes for raisins on their farm. In 1912 their son, Howard Wilson, was born there on the farm. See stories and photos from Ed's farm in California 1911-1918, pdf document.
• In 1918 they sold the farm, left the Parlier area and headed back to Astoria. Ed, Bessie, and Howard took an extended vacation on their way to Astoria where they lived for short time. They later spent a year in Portland where they leased to. manage the Empress Hotel in 1919. When the lease ran out they went back to Astoria for a few months.
• In 1920 they bought their farm in Beaverton where they lived until their last days.
• 1920 Federal Census, Astoria City lists Edward Wilson, wife Bessie and son Howard, age 7; Ed’s occupation listed as cannery fisherman; was living with his parents on 72 Columbia Ave. at the time.
Andrew William "Bill" Wilson
Andrew William "Bill" Wilson - born in Astoria, 1885-1929
Bill Wilson left Astoria, following in the footsteps of his half sister, Sandra Wilson Panttaja, and his brother, Ed Wilson, to Parlier, California in Fresno County. On May 15, 1920 he married Lydia Helena Hongola who was also living in the area with her family. She was the daughter of Karlo John Hongola and Sophia Kolppanen, both born in Finland.
On Sept. 18, 1921 their first and only son, William Fleming Wilson was born. Bill Wilson died in 1929 in Petaluma, California. His widow, Lydia Wilson and their son, Fleming, moved to Astoria where Lydia would marry again and Fleming would grow up. Read genealogy notes on William Wilson
After spending time in the US Navy during World War II, Fleming came back home to Astoria and married a local Norwegian girl, Ethel Louise Soderstrom. Fleming and Ethel ran a restaurant in downtown Astoria called Coffee An’. Fleming and Ethel had three children. Coffee An' Story
Bill Wilson left Astoria, following in the footsteps of his half sister, Sandra Wilson Panttaja, and his brother, Ed Wilson, to Parlier, California in Fresno County. On May 15, 1920 he married Lydia Helena Hongola who was also living in the area with her family. She was the daughter of Karlo John Hongola and Sophia Kolppanen, both born in Finland.
On Sept. 18, 1921 their first and only son, William Fleming Wilson was born. Bill Wilson died in 1929 in Petaluma, California. His widow, Lydia Wilson and their son, Fleming, moved to Astoria where Lydia would marry again and Fleming would grow up. Read genealogy notes on William Wilson
After spending time in the US Navy during World War II, Fleming came back home to Astoria and married a local Norwegian girl, Ethel Louise Soderstrom. Fleming and Ethel ran a restaurant in downtown Astoria called Coffee An’. Fleming and Ethel had three children. Coffee An' Story
Marie Wilson 1886-1892
Marie Matilda "Marie" Wilson - born in Astoria Oregon, 1886-1892
• Drowned at picnic at Young's River in 1892; buried in Deep River Cemetery
• Family note: Marie drowned at a berry bog at the River by Astoria, Oregon while picking berries. Sandra Wilson (Marie's half-sister) was at a hall watching a fortune teller show. As the horse-drawn hearse passed the fortune teller told Sandra that she lost someone dear. It was her little sister.
• Johanna decided, one Saturday, that the whole family would go down to the berry bogs to pick berries. A fortune teller was putting on a show at the hall and Sandra wanted to go see her, so she begged to go there, instead. Her mother let her go. Near the end of the fortune teller’s show, she stopped and asked everyone to bow their heads in a moment of silence because the hearse was passing by out in front of the hall. When she looked up, the fortune teller said, “One of you here today has lost someone dear.” Sandra went home to tell her mother what was said, and she found out that her little sister, Mary, had fallen into the berry bog and drowned.
• Drowned at picnic at Young's River in 1892; buried in Deep River Cemetery
• Family note: Marie drowned at a berry bog at the River by Astoria, Oregon while picking berries. Sandra Wilson (Marie's half-sister) was at a hall watching a fortune teller show. As the horse-drawn hearse passed the fortune teller told Sandra that she lost someone dear. It was her little sister.
• Johanna decided, one Saturday, that the whole family would go down to the berry bogs to pick berries. A fortune teller was putting on a show at the hall and Sandra wanted to go see her, so she begged to go there, instead. Her mother let her go. Near the end of the fortune teller’s show, she stopped and asked everyone to bow their heads in a moment of silence because the hearse was passing by out in front of the hall. When she looked up, the fortune teller said, “One of you here today has lost someone dear.” Sandra went home to tell her mother what was said, and she found out that her little sister, Mary, had fallen into the berry bog and drowned.
Wilson Babies, Gustof 1891, Maria Emilia 1896
Wilson Angels -
Gustof Jalmar 1891; Maria Matilda "Marie" 1892; Maria Emilia 1896
Two other Wilson children died young and are buried along with Marie in the Deep River Cemetery. Gustof Jalmar was born and died in 1891 and Maria Emilia was born and died in 1896. It is likely that Maria Emilia was named after her sister Maria Matilda who drowned in 1892. All three children were buried in the Deep River Cemetery. The only reason that comes to mind is that John Wilson's half sister, Kaisa (Hendrickson) was well-established in Deep River at the time. Her husband Fred Hendrickson died in 1892 and is buried in the Deep River Cemetery.
Gustof Jalmar 1891; Maria Matilda "Marie" 1892; Maria Emilia 1896
Two other Wilson children died young and are buried along with Marie in the Deep River Cemetery. Gustof Jalmar was born and died in 1891 and Maria Emilia was born and died in 1896. It is likely that Maria Emilia was named after her sister Maria Matilda who drowned in 1892. All three children were buried in the Deep River Cemetery. The only reason that comes to mind is that John Wilson's half sister, Kaisa (Hendrickson) was well-established in Deep River at the time. Her husband Fred Hendrickson died in 1892 and is buried in the Deep River Cemetery.
Dick Wilson US Army
Axel Richard "Dick" Wilson , born in Astoria, 1893-1981
• 1910 Fed. census, Astoria, Clatsop Co., Or, Richard A. Wilson, age 16, born in Oregon, son of John Wilson and Johanna, both born in Finland; others in household: Edward J. Wilson, 27; William J. Wilson, age 24, Fred C. Wilson, age 21.
• 1911 - Dick Wilson is pictured in the 1911 “Zephryus” yearbook of Astoria High School.
• 1917-18 - World War I in US Army. Army Uniform Photo.
• 1918 - Dick marries Hazel Waggoner, [Morning Astorian, Dec. 24, 1918, p. 4]
Wedding Picture, Hazel Waggener's Wedding Party
• 1920 Fed. Census, Astoria, Grand Avenue, James M. Waggener, age 54, b. KY; Minnie M. age 52, b. NE; Richard A. Wilson, son-in-law, age 26, b. Oregon, highway civil engineer; Ruth H. Wilson, daughter, age 24, b. in Nebraska.
• 1926 - Dick & Hazel had one son in 1926, Robert Allen "Bob" Wilson who was an architectural designer.
• 1946 - List of those arriving in New York, 25 Jan 1946 on the SS Sheepshead Bay Victory, Richard Wilson, age 52, born 6 Dec 1893 in Astoria Oregon haded to Palo Alto, Calif. [He was drafted as a civilian to participate in WWII - Bob Wilson writes.]
• Bob Wilson writes: On to the history of Dad first, then after marriage and a "try" at some location in Eastern Oregon where Dad started his engineering career. Their move to California - Dad had not finished college, returned to Berkeley for two years. Next came a contracting biz with a nice fellow Dad met at Cal. By that time they had bought a cottage and I turned up. Dad gave up the contracting to take a better job with what is known as CalTrans - the highway division. From there he studied and continued "going up the ladder" until he was transferred to Stockton. Except for his tour to Europe the last year of WWII as an employee of the War Dept. they stayed in lovely and hot or foggy Mud Ville - yes, where Casey struck at the bat, struck out - better identified as Stockton [California]. Dad retired with the title of District Traffic Eng'r. Mom and Dad enjoyed returning to Astoria and Portland to visit their respective families. I thought Astoria was a dream come true. Lot's of great adventures.
• Bob Wilson writes: Dad was so eager to serve once again during World War II, but after many applications was turned down because of his age. Finally because the War Dept. needed his experience with highway planning and traffic flow he served after D-Day in France and Germany. At the time I was marching around air bases in Texas and Calif. doing my best to remember, “Column right...March!” and “Squadron, Halt.”. I was good at the order, “Halt”.
• 1953 - Dad gave the Clatsop County Historical Society & Museum in Astoria the medal grandfather John Wilson was awarded for helping with shipwreck on breakwater. (given to CCHS Oct. 4, 1953)
• Calif. Death Index lists Richard Axel Wilson, born 6 Dec 1893 in Oregon; died 10 Jul 1981 in Orange Co., Calif.
• Historical family notes and memories shared by Dick Wilson's son, Bob Wilson. Bob Wilson had a delightful sense of humor that comes out in these little snippets. I was pleased and honored to correspond with him for about ten years when he lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. And he loved his "Utes"!
• 1910 Fed. census, Astoria, Clatsop Co., Or, Richard A. Wilson, age 16, born in Oregon, son of John Wilson and Johanna, both born in Finland; others in household: Edward J. Wilson, 27; William J. Wilson, age 24, Fred C. Wilson, age 21.
• 1911 - Dick Wilson is pictured in the 1911 “Zephryus” yearbook of Astoria High School.
• 1917-18 - World War I in US Army. Army Uniform Photo.
• 1918 - Dick marries Hazel Waggoner, [Morning Astorian, Dec. 24, 1918, p. 4]
Wedding Picture, Hazel Waggener's Wedding Party
• 1920 Fed. Census, Astoria, Grand Avenue, James M. Waggener, age 54, b. KY; Minnie M. age 52, b. NE; Richard A. Wilson, son-in-law, age 26, b. Oregon, highway civil engineer; Ruth H. Wilson, daughter, age 24, b. in Nebraska.
• 1926 - Dick & Hazel had one son in 1926, Robert Allen "Bob" Wilson who was an architectural designer.
• 1946 - List of those arriving in New York, 25 Jan 1946 on the SS Sheepshead Bay Victory, Richard Wilson, age 52, born 6 Dec 1893 in Astoria Oregon haded to Palo Alto, Calif. [He was drafted as a civilian to participate in WWII - Bob Wilson writes.]
• Bob Wilson writes: On to the history of Dad first, then after marriage and a "try" at some location in Eastern Oregon where Dad started his engineering career. Their move to California - Dad had not finished college, returned to Berkeley for two years. Next came a contracting biz with a nice fellow Dad met at Cal. By that time they had bought a cottage and I turned up. Dad gave up the contracting to take a better job with what is known as CalTrans - the highway division. From there he studied and continued "going up the ladder" until he was transferred to Stockton. Except for his tour to Europe the last year of WWII as an employee of the War Dept. they stayed in lovely and hot or foggy Mud Ville - yes, where Casey struck at the bat, struck out - better identified as Stockton [California]. Dad retired with the title of District Traffic Eng'r. Mom and Dad enjoyed returning to Astoria and Portland to visit their respective families. I thought Astoria was a dream come true. Lot's of great adventures.
• Bob Wilson writes: Dad was so eager to serve once again during World War II, but after many applications was turned down because of his age. Finally because the War Dept. needed his experience with highway planning and traffic flow he served after D-Day in France and Germany. At the time I was marching around air bases in Texas and Calif. doing my best to remember, “Column right...March!” and “Squadron, Halt.”. I was good at the order, “Halt”.
• 1953 - Dad gave the Clatsop County Historical Society & Museum in Astoria the medal grandfather John Wilson was awarded for helping with shipwreck on breakwater. (given to CCHS Oct. 4, 1953)
• Calif. Death Index lists Richard Axel Wilson, born 6 Dec 1893 in Oregon; died 10 Jul 1981 in Orange Co., Calif.
• Historical family notes and memories shared by Dick Wilson's son, Bob Wilson. Bob Wilson had a delightful sense of humor that comes out in these little snippets. I was pleased and honored to correspond with him for about ten years when he lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. And he loved his "Utes"!
Howard E. Wilson, graduation photo from Oregon State Agricultural College, 1933.
Howard E. Wilson 1912-2005 - Go to Howard Wilson Family Page
• Howard was the only son of John E. and Bessie (Kangas) Wilson. He was born on Ed & Bessie's farm
in Parlier, California on a 106-degree day.
• Howard graduated from Aloha Huber Grade School in Aloha, Oregon. He then went on to Beaverton High School and graduated from Beaverton High School in 1929.
• Howard was Confirmed in the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Astoria, Oregon by Pastor Arvo Korhonen in the summer of 1929.
• Howard graduated from Oregon State Agricultural College in June 1933 with a degree in Chemical Engineering; he was in the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
• 1936-37 - Worked as a chemist for the Pillsbury Flour Mills in Astoria, OR; lived in Astoria.
Read Howard's story of his time in Astoria, a pdf document.
• 1939 - In 1939 he married Ellen Crandle Benedict. Howard ran a bulb farm for Vaughan’s Bulb Company based in Chicago, Illinois; the bulb farm was in Parkrose, Oregon. Note on Christmas photo: "December 1939, Sandy Blvd. Cottage”.
• 1939-1940, in the winter of 1939-40 the bulb company financed a term for Howard to study horticulture at Oregon State.
• Howard was the only son of John E. and Bessie (Kangas) Wilson. He was born on Ed & Bessie's farm
in Parlier, California on a 106-degree day.
• Howard graduated from Aloha Huber Grade School in Aloha, Oregon. He then went on to Beaverton High School and graduated from Beaverton High School in 1929.
• Howard was Confirmed in the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Astoria, Oregon by Pastor Arvo Korhonen in the summer of 1929.
• Howard graduated from Oregon State Agricultural College in June 1933 with a degree in Chemical Engineering; he was in the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
• 1936-37 - Worked as a chemist for the Pillsbury Flour Mills in Astoria, OR; lived in Astoria.
Read Howard's story of his time in Astoria, a pdf document.
• 1939 - In 1939 he married Ellen Crandle Benedict. Howard ran a bulb farm for Vaughan’s Bulb Company based in Chicago, Illinois; the bulb farm was in Parkrose, Oregon. Note on Christmas photo: "December 1939, Sandy Blvd. Cottage”.
• 1939-1940, in the winter of 1939-40 the bulb company financed a term for Howard to study horticulture at Oregon State.
