Sutter-Yuba County Biographies

JOHN BELL WILSON

Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
Although born in a foreign county, John Bell Wilson became a citizen of the 
United States by the annexation of his native country of Hawaii, and he is a 
loyal citizen in the truest sense of the word.  Since taking up his residence in 
America he has taken an active interest in the affairs of this country and by 
his integrity and uprightness of character has won the esteem and good will of 
his friends and acquaintances.  He was born on the Hawaiian Islands, June 17, 
1854, the son of Kaulani and Kaolo.  His present name was given him by his 
foster parent, Capt. John Wilson, who adopted him when he was eleven years old.  
John Bell Wilson attended school in his native country and there learned his 
native language; he was taught English by his foster father.  He followed a 
seaman�s life for sixteen years, first with Capt. Wilson and then on other 
ships.  He first landed in California in 1869, but continued to follow a 
seaman�s life until 1880, when he settled permanently in California.
On September 2, 1882, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Mary A. Craig, a native of 
Eldorado County, Cal., a daughter of John and Rosa Craig, born in Ireland and 
California respectively.  Mr. Craig came to California in the days of gold, and 
was a miner in Clarksville.  He married in Eldorado County and they had eight 
children, of whom four are living, Mrs. Wilson being the first born.  Mr. Craig 
is dead, but Mrs. Craig is still living.  Mr. Wilson followed salmon fishing on 
the Sacramento River for ten years.  Then he removed to Verona, at the junction 
of the Feather and Sacramento Rivers, where the family have since made their 
home and Mr. Wilson fished until turning that business over to his son.  Mr. and 
Mrs. Wilson are the parents of nine children.  Lillie (deceased), John, Frank, 
Lola (deceased), Della, Mabel, Charles (deceased), May (Mrs. Fuller), and an 
infant, deceased.  Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics.
(Since the above was written, John Bell Wilson passed away on November 11, 1923, 
mourned by his family and a large circle of friends.)
 
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p 1240