The old adage that “a prophet is never without honor save in his own country” does not find support in the life record of E. C. Wilson, for in the County in which his entire life has been passed Mr. Wilson has gained recognition as a representative business man, now occupying the responsible position of general superintendent of the J. I. Case Plow Works. He was born in Caledonia Township, Racine County, on the 6th of September, 1870, and is a son of James and Mary Jane Wilson. The father removed to Wisconsin about the time of the Black Hawk war and settled in this County, becoming one of its early pioneer residents. He conducted an inn on the old plank road and later turned his attention to farming. He became active in the public life of the community and served as Township supervisor and in other local offices during the early days of his residence in the County. Following removal to Racine in 1876 he became alderman and in many ways he was active in support of projects and measures for the general good. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of large property interests. Eventually he retired, his income being sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He passed away in the year 1901 but his widow still survives.
E. C. Wilson was reared under the parental roof, entered the public schools at the usual age and completed his education as a high school pupil. He has continuously been identified with the J. I. Case Plow Works since starting to work on the 19th of November, 1886, at which time he was assigned to a position in the shipping room. Step by step he has advanced, his fidelity and increasing ability and resourcefulness gaining him promotion from time to time, until he is now active in control of the plow works, occupying the position of general superintendent.
On the 23d of April, 1891, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Erk, a native of New York, and they have become the parents of a son, Harry E., who is now married and is manager of the engraving and electrotyping departments of the Western Printing and Lithographing Company, of Racine. Mr. Wilson gives his political allegiance to the Republican Party, but has never been an aspirant for office. He belongs to the Equitable Fraternal Union and the guiding principles of his life are indicated in the fact that he is a member of the Congregational church. He has always lived in Racine County and his entire career is one which commends him to the confidence and good will of the general public. For thirty years he has been connected with the J. I. Case Plow Works, entering the establishment when a youth of sixteen. Step by step he has advanced, prompted by a laudable ambition, and his entire career is characterized by the spirit of the old Greek epigram, “Earn thy reward, the gods give naught to sloth.”