Clark, Robert Carlton, Ph.D. "History of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Vol. 3. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1927. p. 123. WILLIAM ENSIGN WILSON A business man of broad experience, keen sagacity and enterprising spirit, William Ensign Wilson aided in shaping Salem's industrial development and firmly wrought himself into the fabric of the city's life, exerting a strong influence for good in his community. He was born November 8, 1862, in the state of Michigan and his parents, William and Catherine (Hill) Wilson, were natives of Canada. They went to Iowa during his childhood and he was reared on his father's farm. At an early age Mr. Wilson began to provide for his own livelihood and for several years worked for a Des Moines book firm, of which Norton Lathrop was the executive head. Conscientious, dependable and efficient, Mr. Wilson was advanced to the position of traveling salesman and for some time represented the firm in Iowa. Locating in Ruthven, that state, he opened a drug store and soon demonstrated his ability to manage a business of his own. He next went to Colorado and for a considerable period was engaged in mining near Boulder. In 1909 he came to Oregon and in January, 1910, purchased the business of the old Murphy Tile Company in partnership with Charles 0. Constable and Otto Hansen. A corporation was formed and Mr. Wilson eventually became the owner of most of the stock in the concern, which he operated in association with Francis E. Neer, conducting the business under the style of the Salem Brick & Tile Company. He served as president until his death on March 29, 1927, and under his progressive administration the industry made notable strides. He closely supervised every detail of the work and maintained a high standard of production. In 1886 Mr. Wilson was married in Des Moines, Iowa, to Miss Jessie I. McGrew, who was born in Stryker, Ohio, and remained at home until her marriage. Her parents were Nathan B. and Lois Anna (Hickok) McGrew, natives respectively of Ohio and Vermont. Mrs. Wilson is of Irish lineage and her grandmother in the paternal life was related to the Smiths of Virginia. Nathan B. McGrew was a wagonmaker and removed from Ohio to Des Moines, Iowa, when his daughter, Jessie I., was a young girl of thirteen. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born three children. Lois Catherine, the eldest, who was graduated from the Salem high school and the Oregon Agricultural College, was married to Francis E. Neer, by whom she had two children, the first born being deceased and the other is Natalie Ann. Mildred Marie Wilson, the second daughter, is a graduate of the same educational institutions which her sister attended and has become the wife of J. C. Leedy, who is filling the office of county agent and resides in Roseburg, Oregon. They are the parents of three children: William Clark, Ralph Gordon and James Donald. Ralph Ensign Wilson, the next in order of birth, who completed a course in the Salem high school and was graduated from the naval academy at Annapolis, Maryland, is now a lieutenant in the United States Navy and is stationed at Honolulu, Hawaii. He married Miss Martha E. Powell and they have one child, Ralph E., Jr. Mr. Wilson was a Mason and also had fraternal connections with the Woodmen of the World and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while politically he was an adherent of the democratic party. He shaped his conduct by the teachings of the First Congregational church and was a devoted husband and father, a steadfast friend, a business man of high standing, and a good citizen. Honor was the keystone of his character and his passing was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His widow is now the heaviest stockholder in the Salem Brick & Tile Company and her associates in the business are Francis E. Neer, her son-in-law, and C. A. Warner. Mrs. Wilson resides in the family home at No. 1237 Court street and is highly esteemed by all who have been brought within the sphere of her influence. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.