Thomas B. Wilson, prominent in financial circles of the state of New York, in educational and agricultural matters, as well as in the farming industry, is a man of many-sided abilities. His mind is ever occupied with weighty problems for the advancement and improvement of the section of the country in which he lives, and in this manner he furthers the welfare of the entire nation. Bold and enterprising, he has an undertaking far on the way toward completion, while slower intellects are deliberating over the means to be employed to this end.
John C. Wilson, his father, was born on the family homestead at Hall, Ontario county, New York, August 2, 1821, the property having been in the family since 1817.
Thomas B. Wilson was born on this homestead, December 12, 1852, and it is his present home. He was educated in the district schools and Canandaigua Academy, at both of these institutions displaying marked and unusual ability, especially in mathematics. While still living with his parents, he commenced business for himself at an early age, and has been eminently successful in his many and varied enterprises. The farm consists of three hundred acres, ninety-five of which are devoted to the growing of fruit, and the entire place is managed with the strictest attention to system and scientific cultivation, making the best of every point.
Mr. Wilson also devotes a large part of his time to financial affairs, and is a director of the McKechney Bank of Canandaigua and the Savings Bank of Geneva. His interest in public affairs has been of so beneficial a nature that he was honored with the appointment of town supervisor by his fellow townsmen, an office he filled for seven years, being twice elected chairman of the board. He was appointed a member of the board of control of the New York State Experiment Station, and has held this office about nine years, now (1910) serving as chairman of the hoard. In 1909 he was appointed as a trustee of Cornell University by Governor Hughes, and is filling the position at the present time. While his political support is given to the Republican party, having been elected member of assembly in 1910, he is a man of wide and diversified reading, and keeps well abreast of the times. It is but natural, therefore, that in some cases, he gives his support to an independent candidate, when he thinks the best interests of the community will be furthered by this means. He is liberal and broad-minded in his opinions, and stands high in the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact, irrespective of party opinion.
Mr. Wilson married, in 1876, Margaret Ann, born in Calhoun county, Michigan, a daughter of Charles 1. Scoon. She graduated from the high school at Battle Creek, Michigan. Children : Charles Scoon, a graduate of Cornell University, who is now (1910) Professor of Pomology at Cornell University; John C., graduate of Cornell University, who is assistant engineer of the Cutler Hammer Works of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Mary Anna, a graduate of Vassar College.
