John Thomas Wilson, son of James W. and Sarah (Aerl) Wilson, was born 21 April 1839 in Adams County, Ohio, and lived most of his early life in Adams County.
John enlisted 13 June 1861 to serve with Adams County's first Civil War militia company, Company D, of the 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
The Civil War had a great impact on John. He wrote a few letters home to his father about his war experiences. One, dated 7 March 1862, from Camp Andrew Jackson (Nashville) Tennessee, described the military build up at the Tennessee capital. Rumors reported that 100,000 Union soldiers already were there, and he expected more to arrive soon. He also described the execution of a comrade who had shouted while drunk at the corporal of the guard (and assaulted the corporal).
Shortly after the capture of Lookout Mountain in November 1863, R. M. Linn and his brother arrived to photograph the recent battles for Chattanooga. Linn set up a studio on Lookout Mountain. The photographer was overwhelmed with requests for photographs from the soldiers of the Chattanooga garrison. John was one of the lucky privates who successfully obtained one of these images. John and two buddies from the 24th Ohio Regiment obtained leave to walk up Lookout Mountain to the studio.
John served honorably in the Civil War, and was discharged on 12 June 1864 after the expiration of his three years term. He married Susan Maranda Shepherd 23 March 1865 in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio (marriage book B, p. 46). Susan, the daughter of William H. and Mary Ann (Shipley) Shepherd, was born 25 December 1840.
For several years, John was employed in the Provost Marshall's office in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio.
He moved to Illinois and by 1882 was living in Rooks Creek. On December 12, 1882, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff and moved into Pontiac. John was popular in his law enforcement positions, and he was elected Sheriff in December 1886, serving until 1890. During these years, John and his family lived in the Sheriff's quarters of the Livingston County Jail. His daughter, Lunora, cooked meals for the family and prisoners.
After retiring as sheriff, John moved his family to Webster City, Iowa, and farmed for a few years. On 25 March 1892, he obtained a pension for his war service. Then, moved to Chicago, where he resided until his death in 3 May 1904. Members of the International Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic participated in the funeral ceremony and burial at Pontiac, Illinois (Obituary from the Pontiac, Illinois, Daily Leader, 4 May 1904.).
Biographical Information provided by: Bonita K. Barcus, 417 N. Fremont, Whitewater, WI 53190-2700.
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