Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 1025.
 
CHARLES D. WILLSON

     a merchant in Klamath Falls, was born on November 6, 1862, in Clinton,
Iowa. His father William N. Willson, was born in the state of New York and came
with his father, Daniel Willson, the grandfather of our subject, to where
Clinton county, Iowa, now is. He was one of the first settlers there. Daniel
Willson later lived in Root county and followed his profession, that of
physician, there for many years. He was a member of the last territorial
legislature and the first State legislature of that state. Mr. William Willson
married Miss Sarah Tupper, the mother of our subject. She was born in Sheboygan,
Michigan. Charles D. has one sister, Mrs., Ballard, of Klamath Falls. Our
subject left home when a boy and was engaged at various occupations; and in 1883
came to Cassia county, Idaho where on July 12, of the same year he married May
D. Alley. They were the first couple married in Cassia county and came thence to
Columbia county, Oregon, where his parents were. Mrs. Willson, the mother of our
subject, died there and her husband is now living in Klamath Falls, one of the
prosperous and wealthy men here. In 1888, Mr. Willson came to Klamath county. He
first engaged in the stock business, afterward he moved to town and took up the
grocery business in the spring of 1890. He was not very successful at the start
but has since become to be one of the wealthy men of Klamath Falls and is doing
an extensive business. He is a member of the Elks in Portland, and the Foresters
in Klamath Falls. When he landed in this county, he had very limited means, but
at the present time, he owns much valuable business property in Klamath Falls,
has a fine two story, ten room residence and several hundred acres of choice
timber land. Mrs. Willson was born in Phelps county, Missouri. Her father,
Leonard B. Ally, was a wealthy citizen of that county and later moved to Oregon
where he remained until his death.   He married Miss Lou Love who is now living
in Portland, To Mr. and Mrs. Willson, three children have been born, Thomas,
deceased, Delia and Arthur.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.