"Portrait and Biographical Record of Western Oregon, containing original sketches of many well known citizens of the past and present." Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1909. p. 401. PURDY A. WILSON Of the citizens of Douglas county who have known no other occupation than that of farming, and who have had more than ordinary success in the prosecution of that vocation, Purdy A. Wilson surely deserves special mention. His farm is located near Riddles, Ore., where he carries on agricultural pursuits. He was born April 29, 1866, on a farm one-half mile south of Riddles, and is a son of William L. Wilson, an extensive cattle dealer. William L. Wilson was a native of Clay county, Mo., where his parents tilled the soil. When he was a child he lost his mother and some time afterward his father married again. In 1845 the family started to cross the plains with an ox-team and had journeyed some distance, when the father suddenly died, leaving William L. to continue the journey with his step-mother. This he did, and they finally reached Oregon and settled in Washington county, where his step-mother was again married. William L. Wilson lived with his step-parents until 1849, when he went to the mines in California. After a short time he returned to Douglas county, Ore., and took up a donation claim of three hundred and twenty acres about one-half mile south of Riddles. Here he resided several years, finally purchasing the place on which his son now lives. He was a very prominent man in his locality, filling at various times all the minor offices, and took a great interest in politics, serving one term as county commissioner. He was a member of the Baptist church and was an active worker. He was married twice. He was first united with Hulda Mynatt, who died after a brief married life. Mr. Wilson was subsequently joined in marriage with Hattie Haskin, a native of Wisconsin. By this marriage he had seven children, whose names are as follows : Mrs. Ora Harmon, of Riddles, Ore.; Mrs. Jane Wilson, of Scio; Purdy A.; Frank, deceased; Ella, of Pendleton, Ore.; John, and Mrs. Carrie Fishman. The father of these children died some years ago. The mother has made her home with her children since her husband's death, and is now living at Pendleton, Ore. Purdy A. Wilson received his education in the district school of his community and remained at home until he was married to Augusta Kimmel, of German nativity, who has made him a worthy helpmeet. After wedlock, Mr. Wilson and his wife began housekeeping near the home farm, and after about a year moved to an adjoining place. There they sojourned for six or seven years and finally bought their present farm, which is the east half of the old home farm. Mr. Wilson is the owner of two hundred and thirty-seven acres of fine land, ten acres being devoted to prunes. He carries on general fanning and stock-raising and. needless to say, makes a decided success of it. He makes a specialty of raising Jersey cattle and breeds some of the best in the vicinity. Since locating on his present property he has instituted many fine improvements. This worthy couple have five children. They are William Austin, Alta H., Carl R., Henry Dewey and John V. Mr. Wilson takes quite an active interest in politics and has filled all the minor offices in his vicinity. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen of the World and Women of Woodcraft, being an officer of each lodge. Like his father, he is a member of the Baptist church and is serving as deacon at the present writing. Mr. Wilson is an upright man, a good farmer and a worthy citizen. It is the influence of such men as he that does good in a community. No one is better liked than he and his good wife, and the respect accorded them is thoroughly deserved. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.