FAMILY HISTORY
GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON AND ALICE JANE RAWLS
George Washington Wilson one of ten children of Jasper Newton Wilson and Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson was born 4 April 1879,1 in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida. George's middle name was Mumford.2 George disliked the name so much he changed his middle name to Washington.
Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls, the eldest of eight children of John G. and Janie Burnett Rawls was born
2 December 1883,3 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
There was a major economic recession in the United States 1893 -1897.
The 1885 special federal census of Florida for Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Nassau Counties has been lost.
In the 1890's the first telephone came to Gainesville, Alachua County.4 There were about a dozen subscribers at $1.00 a month for the hand cranked device. In 2000 a $1.00 is worth about $18.00.
On 21 March 1893,5 George Washington Wilson's father, Jasper Newton Wilson, died of cancer. Jasper would have been 51 years of age in six days. George was 15 years old at the time of his father's death.
Jasper is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is a brief obituary of Jasper Newton Wilson. Name of paper this appeared currently unknown.
A Good Man Gone
GRACY, Fla., March 27. - After lingering illness of 18 months, Mr. J. N. Wilson died on the 21st inst., the immediate cause of his death being cancer. He was a good Christian a loving husband, father and brother, and leaves a large family and host of friends to mourn his demise. Some time ago Mr. Wilson heard a young lady singing "Meet Me There," and requested that the hymn be sang at his grave. Let us try and meet him in that heavenly home above.
In 1900 Alachua County population was 30,000.
On 18 April 1900,6 Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's mother, Janie Burnett Rawls died. Cause of death is currently unknown. Janie was 43 years old and her daughter, Alice was 16 years old at the time of her mother's death. Janie is buried in Newnansville Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, family number 740, Alachua County, Florida lists John G. Rawls (Alice's father) born August 1855, age 44, a widower, born in Florida of parents born in Florida, occupation farmer, can read, write and speak English, owned home, free of mortgage, farm #176; Alice Rawls born December 1883, age 16, born in Florida also both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; Lois Rawls born February 1886, age 14, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; John Rawls Jr., born June 1887, age 12, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Fred Rawls born April 1890, age 10, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Olmsted Rawls born March 1894, age 6, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Durham Rawls, born June 1895, age 4, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Mary Rawls born September 1896, age 3 ,born in Florida, both parents born in Florida. The census was taken as of 20 June 1900.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, Alachua County, Florida, lists Laura Wilson (George's mother) head of household, widow, 53 years old, born December 1846, in Georgia, both parents born in Georgia, mother of 10 children, number of children living 9, farmer living on a farm which she owns unencumbered, can read, write and speak English, family #753, farm #180; Joseph W. Wilson, son, born September 1874, age 25, single, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; George Wilson, son, born April 1879, age 21, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; Daisy B. Wilson, daughter born January 1884, age 16, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; and Allie L. Wilson, daughter, born July 1888, age 11, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English. Census date 21 June 1900.
1901 President McKinley assassinated.
George W. Wilson and Alice J. Rawls were married on Sunday, 27 January 19017 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1901-1909 Theodore Roosevelt elected as President, made famous during the Spanish American War by the press.
John Newton Wilson was born to George and Alice, Tuesday, 18 March 19028 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1903 Wilbur and Orville Wright test the first sustained flight of an aircraft in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Lula Alice Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 25 June 19059 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 6 July 1905, Gainesville chosen over Lake City as site of new university.
1906 University of Florida begins instruction with two buildings and 102 students.
1906 The Great San Francisco Earthquake, more than 450 people die, city destroyed.
George Washington Wilson Jr. was born to George and Alice , Saturday 3 October 190810 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The soundex for the 1910 census #W425 for George Washington Wilson's census record could not be located.
Aubrey Bishop Wilson was born to George and Alice, Saturday, 1 October 191011 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
George Washington Wilson Jr. died 30 October 191012 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. The cause of death is currently unknown. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1912 Woodrow Wilson elected president.
Laura Strobar Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 28 October 191213 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1914 World War I begins.
Jesse Gracy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 16 December 191414 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1915 German U-boat sinks the Lusitania in which Americans die, fueling the U.S. entrance into WWI.
1916 Albert Einstein completes his theory of relativity.
1916 Cotton industry in Alachua County ends after severe boll weevil infestation.
James Woodrow Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 4 September 191615 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Alachua County, Florida - 1917-18 Civilian Draft Registration listed birth information of residents of Alachua County in 1917-18. George Washington Wilson was listed from Alachua County, Florida his date of birth 4 April 1879.
1917 American troops arrive in France.
1918 World War I ends. Soldiers returned home from war bringing influenza virus with them, which killed millions worldwide.
On 27 May 1919, George Washington Wilson's mother, Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson died. Laura is buried beside her husband, Jasper Newton Wilson in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Ernest Leroy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 12 October 191916 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. Leroy was named for George and Alice's banker, Henry Leroy in Alachua, Florida. They thought so much of him they wanted to name their son after him.
1920 The 19th Amendment passes. Women gained the right to vote.
The 1920 federal census for Alachua County, Florida, Newberry precinct 3, ED 7 , number of family 306 list George W. Wilson, head, owned home, free of mortgage, age 40, able to read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida (His mother was born in Georgia), occupation farmer, general nature of farm, general farming; Allice (only one L) J. Wilson, wife, 34 years old, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; John N. Wilson, son, age 17, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Lula A. Wilson, daughter age 14, yes attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Aubrey B. Wilson, son age 9, attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Laura S. Wilson, daughter, age 7, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Jessie G. (Jesse) Wilson, son, age 5, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Woodroe (Woodrow) J. Wilson , son 3 4/12 years old, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Erenest (Ernest) L. Wilson, son, age 6/12 years old, born in Florida both parents born in Florida. Census enumeration date 19/20 April 1920.
There was a major economic recession in the United States in 1921.
Arthur Julian Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 19 October 192117 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 4 February 1926, Lula Alice Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Hamilton "Hamp" Clark, Sr., currently unknown where they were married.
On 21 November 1928, Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's father, John G. Rawls, age 74, died at home in Alachua County, Florida. He was buried 22 November 1928 in Alachua County, Florida, Old Newnansville Cemetery.
The will of John Green Rawls is in "Will Records 4, Alachua County, Florida," page 362. The will made 12 October 1926 and probated 24 November 1928, mentions wife Minnie J. Rawls, sons John G. Rawls Jr., Fred M. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls, daughters, Alice J. Wilson wife of George W. Wilson, and Lois L. Lewis wife of George Lewis. John G. Rawls Jr., is the executor. Minnie J. Rawls receives as life estate E1/2 NE ¼ Section 33 township 8 South Range 18 East and W1/2 NW1/4 Section 34 Township 8 South Range 18 East which includes the Rawls' home site which will go to daughter Alice upon death of Minnie Rawls; W1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Alice J. Wilson; and, E1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Lois L. Lewis; W1/2 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and SE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and S1/2 NE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East to be equally shared by sons Fred M.. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls. Those children not specifically listed had provision made for them during the lifetime of John Green Rawls. (This would be John Gracy Rawls, Durham Leval Rawls, who lived with Alice Wilson, and Mary Rawls Glover.)
1929 New York Stock Exchange crashes due to over-speculation, signaling the beginning of the Great Depression.
1930 The Great Depression. Banks failed and millions lose their jobs.
1931 U. S. banks fail, over eight million unemployed.
In a letter dated 24 March 1993, from Ernest Leroy Wilson, son of George and Alice Wilson, stated, that the banker he was named for in Alachua, Florida, Henry Leroy's bank closed during the depression. Leroy Wilson states, his father, George and mother, Alice had all their money in that bank when it closed and they lost all their money. Leroy Wilson states he understood their family was pretty well fixed financially, but the closing of the bank literally wiped them out. From then on it was "nip & tuck". Leroy Wilson stated his Dad would have to borrow money to buy seeds and fertilizer to keep farming.
1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President. He will serve a record three terms.
1933 Hitler takes power in Germany. Fascist state begins passing anti-Semitic legislation. Germans set up first concentration camps at Dachau. Later camps were used as extermination centers claiming millions of lives.
In 1934, Aubrey Bishop Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Martha Ellen "Ellen" Owens, currently unknown where they were married. Ellen's parents were Henry Owens and Aline Josie Graves Owens.
On 12 January 1935, Jesse Gracy Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Estelle Jeanette Baucum in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida. Recorded in Marriage Book 1, page 181, Gilchrist County, Florida. Estelle's parents were Clark Smith Baucum and Nettie Pogue Baucum.
On 17 December 1935, Laura Strobar Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Leighton Ormond Barber in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida.
1939 World War II begins.
1939 Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote "The Yearling".
1941 Japan bombs U.S. naval fleet in sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. U.S. enters war.
In 1941 Germans invade USSR and begin systematic elimination of Jews in concentration camps.
On 20 February 1941, John Newton Wilson, the eldest son of George and Alice Wilson, married Stanislawa Stella "Stella" Kordela in Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland. Stella's father was Franczeciak Frank Kordela and mother, Julia Anna Radwayska Kordela of Poland.
On 8 November 1941, James Woodrow Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Audrey Marie Swilley in High Springs, Alachua County, Florida. Marie's parents were Wallis Hampton "Hamp" Swilley and Clestine Maude "Maude" Barber Swilley.
On 27 June 1943, Arthur Julian Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Johnnie Margaret "Margaret" Fralick. Margaret's parents were Clyde Fralick and Annie Lucille Lipsey Fralick.
On 28 March 1944,18 Ellen Wilson, wife of Aubrey Bishop Wilson, died leaving five small children, ages 8 to 1 year old.
The 1945 Alachua County, Florida state census in precinct number 3, Alachua, address Route 1, Alachua, list George Wilson age 66, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a farmer; Alice Wilson, age 61, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a house wife.
On 20 January 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term as president.
On 24 March 1945, Ernest Leroy Wilson, a son of George and Alice married Margaret Mary "Marge" Dopke in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Marge's parents were Paul Frank Dopke and Margaret Neven Dopke.
On 12 April 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt dies of a cerebral hemorrhage. Harry Truman is sworn in as president.
On 30 April 1945, Hitler, commits suicide in his underground bunker in Berlin.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrenders, ending the European war. Victory in Europe (V-E) Day is declared in the United States as massive celebrations erupt.
On 6 August 1945, United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The resulting devastation amazes even the scientists who created it. More than fifty thousand people perish in seconds, and four square miles of the city are reduced to rubble.
On 9 August 1945, an atomic bomb is dropped, on Nagasaki in southern Japan, killing forty thousand Japanese civilians immediately. Tokyo announces its intention to surrender.
On 2 September 1945, Japan signs a formal surrender onboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
On 15 September 1945, Aubrey Bishop, a son of George and Alice married Nettie Irene "Irene" Mayo in Gilchrist County, Florida. Irene's parents were George Howell Mayo, Sr. and Myrtie Sargent Mayo.
On 20 November 1945, allies begin trails of German war criminals in Nuremberg for atrocities committed during the war.
In September,1946, Nuremberg trails end.
In September, 1946, George and Alice Wilson held a big WILSON reunion.
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS TAKEN FROM THE NEWSPAPER NAMED - HIGH SPRINGS TELEGRAM - ALACHUA COUNTY FREE PRESS HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1946, VOL.XXI, NO. 27
WILSON FAMILY HOLDS BIG RE-UNION
The grand rolling country southeast of Alachua was the setting for a remarkable gathering last weekend when George and Mrs. Wilson gathered around them all their children and grandchildren for a family re-union. Every one of the seven sons and daughters and grandchildren bringing the immediate attendance to 33, was on hand, with only one, Hamp Clark, Jr., serving in the army, absent.
Picture if you can a home set amid rolling hills where mammoth oaks spread protective shade and cultivated fields are bounded by others grazing cattle. The old home nestling in weathered grace in its vine-traced fence, and there you have the setting. Now, for the homey touch, add 30 feet of bountiful farm-home cooking and you have some idea of what the editors viewed on arrival.
That's the setting. But far more interesting were the 33 grandparents, grandchildren, children and friends gathered there. They came from Baltimore, Cuba, Jacksonville, High Springs, Alachua and elsewhere in our own and distant states. There were friends and neighbors as well - and all with but one thought, to honor Father and Mother, and while they could, meet again in familiar scenes.
No place but a rural setting and a farm home has so much of romance about it. The path, beaten to bare smoothness by countless feet; this one to the barn, that one to the well, the other down the road and over the hill to the schoolhouse. The gouges of shod feet, pattern of tractor, the swerving drag of bent-spoke wheel, they revive memories no other scene affords. The berry patch on side hill and remains of a stile long fallen to dust.
How is it earth retains imprint of footprints beyond the life of pavement? It does; probably in memory because the eye picks out divided trees where once a path led beyond the hill. The little old school and church as aging as Old Newnansville - we saw them and to our question learned that that was where the Wilson boys and girls learned their Rs, but now somnolent, gracious in a cloak as deft as encircling trees, they stand looking back, quietly, on years of life and accomplishment.
Both active and "years young," although we don't know how they stood the strain of 20-some grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson played the perfect hosts. You know, we nearly talked ourselves out of a treat. Barbecue to us, after 20 years of eating it at political rallies, prideful civic outbreaks and on the banks of rivers, is strictly anti-social when it comes to store teeth. It has always been our experience that you need a file along to put a barbecue-biting edge on them. After that, you go out behind the barn with a sharp instrument to get the string out from between.
We needn't have feared. Mr. Wilson cut off several pounds and insisted that we take it along when we went home. It was the most scrumptious, tenderest, tasteous meat we've had since cattlemen got mad at Mr. Truman. What is distinctly "out of this world" was homemade ice cream. Oh, there was just everything and a lot more. In fact, we never felt more at home anywhere than we did among the Wilson's.
We won't attempt to name all the grandchildren, but those in the immediate family were our hosts Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Wilson, Mr. John Newton Wilson and two children of Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Hamp Clark of High Springs, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Bishop Wilson of Alachua, and their five children, Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Ormond Barber and son of this city, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gracy Wilson and seven children of Alachua, Mr. and Mrs. James Woodrow Wilson of Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leroy Wilson and son, of Jacksonville, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Julian Wilson also of Jacksonville.
There were a couple of other Wilson's we can't place, brothers we think. Also Mrs. Lola Barber and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Olmsted Rawls of this city. We're forgetting someone, we know. But you know how it is, you can't remember everybody.
On Christmas Day in the afternoon, 25 December 194719 George Washington Wilson died of a heart attack., at their home in rural Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following are copies of his obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE GAINESVILLE SUN, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 28, 1947
G. W. WILSON, ALACHUA, DIES; FUNERAL TODAY.
Alachua, Dec. 27---Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Forest Grove Cemetery for George Washington Wilson, 68 who died suddenly at his home near here Christmas afternoon.
Rev. E. E. Ham, pastor of the High Springs Baptist Church, will officiate, and the DeWitt C. Jones Company of Gainesville is in charge of arrangements.
Serving as pallbearers will be N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Jessie Shaw, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers will be Simon Hastings, Henry LeRoy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and D. W. Dansby.
Mr. Wilson, who was a farmer, was born April 4, 1879 in Newnansville and had lived in Alachua County all his life. He was a son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson; two daughters, Mrs. Hamp Clark and Mrs. L. O. Barber of High Springs; six sons, John, Baltimore; Woodrow, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Leroy and Arthur Julian, Jacksonville; and Jesse and Aubrey, Alachua; two brother, Johnnie Wilson, Alachua; and Willie Wilson, High Springs; three sisters, Mrs. Allie Davis, High Springs; Mrs. Daisy Russell, Waycross, Georgia; and Mrs. Emma Cathcart, Manatee; and 20 grandchildren.
Another article appeared as follows, however do not know name of newspaper and the last part of the article is missing.
GEO. WILSON BURIED AT FOREST GROVE
Funeral service for the late George Washington Wilson, 68 was held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at Forest Grove Cemetery. Our late friend passed away suddenly Christmas afternoon of a heart attack.
The Rev. E. E. Ham of our city officiated at the service while arrangements were in the hands of DeWitt C. Jones. Pallbearers were N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers were Simon Hastings, Henry Leroy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and Geo. Dansby.
Another friend has crossed the Great Divide. A lifetime resident of our county, a farmer always, and a sterling citizen, it was his capable hands and the hands of others who for better description we say "farmer," who made out of rural Alachua county the self-sufficient land it is. Probably no tribute we can offer may exceed this, he sowed and he tilled into abundance land which was given unto his hands. Thus to our late friend we say, life for us all was better and richer because of you.
We are going to take you out south of Alachua to a natural bowl in the hills. There nested a rural home in a natural cup where trees and hills and cattle provided a rich setting for any man's life work. The scene we like best is a Sunday afternoon 18 months ago. The family was gathered around in a reunion none may view outside a farm homestead. Brothers, and sisters, children and grandchildren were there; neighbors and friends. Some had come far, some from our community, some from nearby.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, tired but happy were the hosts. Old days, the moment, the future were subjects of conversation. Beneath the mighty oaks long tables were spread. Only on the farm could this scene occur; only in the friendly spirit of our old friend could we, the casual acquaintance, could you enjoy the intimacy of this family circle.
Thus, today, we must speak of the past. The family, the farm, the community, the county, have lost a valuable member. And so we say in mourning, our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
Born April 4, 1879 in old Newnansville the son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson, deceased, member of the Baptist……the rest missing.
It appears this article may have been written by the same person that wrote about the WILSON reunion in September 1946 and the above article was probably in the High Springs newspaper, High Springs, Florida.
In the 1950's television becomes a feature of many American homes.
1950-1953 Korean War. U.S. intervenes against Communist North Korean forces invading the South.
1953 Eisenhower, former Allied commander in Europe, elected president.
On 12 March 195319 Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls Wilson died of cancer. Alice is buried beside her husband, George in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is Alice Rawls Wilson's obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE HIGH SPRINGS HERALD, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1953
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. ALICE R. WILSON
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson, aged 69 years, who died Thursday night at her home in Alachua. She had been ill for the past three months.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Alachua December 2, 1883, daughter of John G. and Janie (Burnett) Rawls, and had spent her entire life in this community. She was the widow of George Washington Wilson, who died three years ago. (George died 25 December 1947) She was an active member of the Forest Grove Baptist Church and of the South Alachua Home Demonstration club and took an active part in the club work of Alachua and the Forest Grove community.
Services at the Forest Grove Church were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Brown, assisted by Rev. J. Milton Ivey, pastor of the Methodist Church in High Springs.
Active bearers were N. E. Roberts, R. H. Cato, Earl Bryan, Buck Shaw, Claude White and Earl Jeffords. Honorary bearers were Barney Cato, Carl and Emory Williams, Leonard Walker, Benny Shaw, Claude Brannon, Curt Trammell, J. G. Tyre, Charlie Pope, Simon Haisten, Sam Feagle and S. J. Blanton.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lula Clark and Mrs. Laura Barber, both of High Springs, and six sons, Jesse and Aubrey of Alachua, Leroy and Woodrow of Jacksonville. Arthur Julian of New York and John Newton Wilson of Baltimore. There are several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. There are four brothers, Francis Olmsted Rawls, High Springs, Florida, John Gracy Rawls, Plymouth, Florida, Fred Rawls, Tampa, Durham Rawls, Alachua and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rawls Stiles of St. Petersburg, Florida and Mrs. Lois Rawls Lewis. (G. W. Lewis) of Alachua.
Sources:
1. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census, head of household Laura Wilson, 1920 Alachua County,
Florida census, death certificate #22972, tombstone.
2. Letter in February 1993 from oldest son John Newton Wilson.
3. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census head of household John G. Rawls, death certificate, tombstone.
4. The Gainesville Sun, pg. 22, Sunday, 23 May 1999 by Jud Magrin, staff writer.
5. Obituary, tombstone.
6. Tombstone.
7. Marriage record recorded in Alachua County, Florida, license #20.
8. Family Bible.
9. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, memory.
10. Family Bible, tombstone.
11. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone.
12. Family Bible and tombstone.
13. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
14. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone, death certificate.
15. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
16. ibid.
17. Family Bible.
18. Tombstone.
19. Death certificate, tombstone, obituary.
20. Ibid.
Prepared by Barbara Wilson Krause
15937 Marsala Drive
Fishers, IN 46037
[email protected]
317-747-4417
GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON AND ALICE JANE RAWLS
George Washington Wilson one of ten children of Jasper Newton Wilson and Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson was born 4 April 1879,1 in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida. George's middle name was Mumford.2 George disliked the name so much he changed his middle name to Washington.
Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls, the eldest of eight children of John G. and Janie Burnett Rawls was born
2 December 1883,3 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
There was a major economic recession in the United States 1893 -1897.
The 1885 special federal census of Florida for Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Nassau Counties has been lost.
In the 1890's the first telephone came to Gainesville, Alachua County.4 There were about a dozen subscribers at $1.00 a month for the hand cranked device. In 2000 a $1.00 is worth about $18.00.
On 21 March 1893,5 George Washington Wilson's father, Jasper Newton Wilson, died of cancer. Jasper would have been 51 years of age in six days. George was 15 years old at the time of his father's death.
Jasper is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is a brief obituary of Jasper Newton Wilson. Name of paper this appeared currently unknown.
A Good Man Gone
GRACY, Fla., March 27. - After lingering illness of 18 months, Mr. J. N. Wilson died on the 21st inst., the immediate cause of his death being cancer. He was a good Christian a loving husband, father and brother, and leaves a large family and host of friends to mourn his demise. Some time ago Mr. Wilson heard a young lady singing "Meet Me There," and requested that the hymn be sang at his grave. Let us try and meet him in that heavenly home above.
In 1900 Alachua County population was 30,000.
On 18 April 1900,6 Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's mother, Janie Burnett Rawls died. Cause of death is currently unknown. Janie was 43 years old and her daughter, Alice was 16 years old at the time of her mother's death. Janie is buried in Newnansville Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, family number 740, Alachua County, Florida lists John G. Rawls (Alice's father) born August 1855, age 44, a widower, born in Florida of parents born in Florida, occupation farmer, can read, write and speak English, owned home, free of mortgage, farm #176; Alice Rawls born December 1883, age 16, born in Florida also both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; Lois Rawls born February 1886, age 14, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; John Rawls Jr., born June 1887, age 12, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Fred Rawls born April 1890, age 10, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Olmsted Rawls born March 1894, age 6, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Durham Rawls, born June 1895, age 4, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Mary Rawls born September 1896, age 3 ,born in Florida, both parents born in Florida. The census was taken as of 20 June 1900.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, Alachua County, Florida, lists Laura Wilson (George's mother) head of household, widow, 53 years old, born December 1846, in Georgia, both parents born in Georgia, mother of 10 children, number of children living 9, farmer living on a farm which she owns unencumbered, can read, write and speak English, family #753, farm #180; Joseph W. Wilson, son, born September 1874, age 25, single, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; George Wilson, son, born April 1879, age 21, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; Daisy B. Wilson, daughter born January 1884, age 16, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; and Allie L. Wilson, daughter, born July 1888, age 11, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English. Census date 21 June 1900.
1901 President McKinley assassinated.
George W. Wilson and Alice J. Rawls were married on Sunday, 27 January 19017 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1901-1909 Theodore Roosevelt elected as President, made famous during the Spanish American War by the press.
John Newton Wilson was born to George and Alice, Tuesday, 18 March 19028 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1903 Wilbur and Orville Wright test the first sustained flight of an aircraft in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Lula Alice Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 25 June 19059 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 6 July 1905, Gainesville chosen over Lake City as site of new university.
1906 University of Florida begins instruction with two buildings and 102 students.
1906 The Great San Francisco Earthquake, more than 450 people die, city destroyed.
George Washington Wilson Jr. was born to George and Alice , Saturday 3 October 190810 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The soundex for the 1910 census #W425 for George Washington Wilson's census record could not be located.
Aubrey Bishop Wilson was born to George and Alice, Saturday, 1 October 191011 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
George Washington Wilson Jr. died 30 October 191012 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. The cause of death is currently unknown. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1912 Woodrow Wilson elected president.
Laura Strobar Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 28 October 191213 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1914 World War I begins.
Jesse Gracy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 16 December 191414 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1915 German U-boat sinks the Lusitania in which Americans die, fueling the U.S. entrance into WWI.
1916 Albert Einstein completes his theory of relativity.
1916 Cotton industry in Alachua County ends after severe boll weevil infestation.
James Woodrow Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 4 September 191615 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Alachua County, Florida - 1917-18 Civilian Draft Registration listed birth information of residents of Alachua County in 1917-18. George Washington Wilson was listed from Alachua County, Florida his date of birth 4 April 1879.
1917 American troops arrive in France.
1918 World War I ends. Soldiers returned home from war bringing influenza virus with them, which killed millions worldwide.
On 27 May 1919, George Washington Wilson's mother, Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson died. Laura is buried beside her husband, Jasper Newton Wilson in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Ernest Leroy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 12 October 191916 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. Leroy was named for George and Alice's banker, Henry Leroy in Alachua, Florida. They thought so much of him they wanted to name their son after him.
1920 The 19th Amendment passes. Women gained the right to vote.
The 1920 federal census for Alachua County, Florida, Newberry precinct 3, ED 7 , number of family 306 list George W. Wilson, head, owned home, free of mortgage, age 40, able to read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida (His mother was born in Georgia), occupation farmer, general nature of farm, general farming; Allice (only one L) J. Wilson, wife, 34 years old, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; John N. Wilson, son, age 17, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Lula A. Wilson, daughter age 14, yes attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Aubrey B. Wilson, son age 9, attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Laura S. Wilson, daughter, age 7, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Jessie G. (Jesse) Wilson, son, age 5, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Woodroe (Woodrow) J. Wilson , son 3 4/12 years old, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Erenest (Ernest) L. Wilson, son, age 6/12 years old, born in Florida both parents born in Florida. Census enumeration date 19/20 April 1920.
There was a major economic recession in the United States in 1921.
Arthur Julian Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 19 October 192117 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 4 February 1926, Lula Alice Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Hamilton "Hamp" Clark, Sr., currently unknown where they were married.
On 21 November 1928, Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's father, John G. Rawls, age 74, died at home in Alachua County, Florida. He was buried 22 November 1928 in Alachua County, Florida, Old Newnansville Cemetery.
The will of John Green Rawls is in "Will Records 4, Alachua County, Florida," page 362. The will made 12 October 1926 and probated 24 November 1928, mentions wife Minnie J. Rawls, sons John G. Rawls Jr., Fred M. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls, daughters, Alice J. Wilson wife of George W. Wilson, and Lois L. Lewis wife of George Lewis. John G. Rawls Jr., is the executor. Minnie J. Rawls receives as life estate E1/2 NE ¼ Section 33 township 8 South Range 18 East and W1/2 NW1/4 Section 34 Township 8 South Range 18 East which includes the Rawls' home site which will go to daughter Alice upon death of Minnie Rawls; W1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Alice J. Wilson; and, E1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Lois L. Lewis; W1/2 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and SE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and S1/2 NE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East to be equally shared by sons Fred M.. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls. Those children not specifically listed had provision made for them during the lifetime of John Green Rawls. (This would be John Gracy Rawls, Durham Leval Rawls, who lived with Alice Wilson, and Mary Rawls Glover.)
1929 New York Stock Exchange crashes due to over-speculation, signaling the beginning of the Great Depression.
1930 The Great Depression. Banks failed and millions lose their jobs.
1931 U. S. banks fail, over eight million unemployed.
In a letter dated 24 March 1993, from Ernest Leroy Wilson, son of George and Alice Wilson, stated, that the banker he was named for in Alachua, Florida, Henry Leroy's bank closed during the depression. Leroy Wilson states, his father, George and mother, Alice had all their money in that bank when it closed and they lost all their money. Leroy Wilson states he understood their family was pretty well fixed financially, but the closing of the bank literally wiped them out. From then on it was "nip & tuck". Leroy Wilson stated his Dad would have to borrow money to buy seeds and fertilizer to keep farming.
1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President. He will serve a record three terms.
1933 Hitler takes power in Germany. Fascist state begins passing anti-Semitic legislation. Germans set up first concentration camps at Dachau. Later camps were used as extermination centers claiming millions of lives.
In 1934, Aubrey Bishop Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Martha Ellen "Ellen" Owens, currently unknown where they were married. Ellen's parents were Henry Owens and Aline Josie Graves Owens.
On 12 January 1935, Jesse Gracy Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Estelle Jeanette Baucum in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida. Recorded in Marriage Book 1, page 181, Gilchrist County, Florida. Estelle's parents were Clark Smith Baucum and Nettie Pogue Baucum.
On 17 December 1935, Laura Strobar Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Leighton Ormond Barber in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida.
1939 World War II begins.
1939 Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote "The Yearling".
1941 Japan bombs U.S. naval fleet in sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. U.S. enters war.
In 1941 Germans invade USSR and begin systematic elimination of Jews in concentration camps.
On 20 February 1941, John Newton Wilson, the eldest son of George and Alice Wilson, married Stanislawa Stella "Stella" Kordela in Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland. Stella's father was Franczeciak Frank Kordela and mother, Julia Anna Radwayska Kordela of Poland.
On 8 November 1941, James Woodrow Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Audrey Marie Swilley in High Springs, Alachua County, Florida. Marie's parents were Wallis Hampton "Hamp" Swilley and Clestine Maude "Maude" Barber Swilley.
On 27 June 1943, Arthur Julian Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Johnnie Margaret "Margaret" Fralick. Margaret's parents were Clyde Fralick and Annie Lucille Lipsey Fralick.
On 28 March 1944,18 Ellen Wilson, wife of Aubrey Bishop Wilson, died leaving five small children, ages 8 to 1 year old.
The 1945 Alachua County, Florida state census in precinct number 3, Alachua, address Route 1, Alachua, list George Wilson age 66, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a farmer; Alice Wilson, age 61, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a house wife.
On 20 January 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term as president.
On 24 March 1945, Ernest Leroy Wilson, a son of George and Alice married Margaret Mary "Marge" Dopke in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Marge's parents were Paul Frank Dopke and Margaret Neven Dopke.
On 12 April 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt dies of a cerebral hemorrhage. Harry Truman is sworn in as president.
On 30 April 1945, Hitler, commits suicide in his underground bunker in Berlin.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrenders, ending the European war. Victory in Europe (V-E) Day is declared in the United States as massive celebrations erupt.
On 6 August 1945, United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The resulting devastation amazes even the scientists who created it. More than fifty thousand people perish in seconds, and four square miles of the city are reduced to rubble.
On 9 August 1945, an atomic bomb is dropped, on Nagasaki in southern Japan, killing forty thousand Japanese civilians immediately. Tokyo announces its intention to surrender.
On 2 September 1945, Japan signs a formal surrender onboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
On 15 September 1945, Aubrey Bishop, a son of George and Alice married Nettie Irene "Irene" Mayo in Gilchrist County, Florida. Irene's parents were George Howell Mayo, Sr. and Myrtie Sargent Mayo.
On 20 November 1945, allies begin trails of German war criminals in Nuremberg for atrocities committed during the war.
In September,1946, Nuremberg trails end.
In September, 1946, George and Alice Wilson held a big WILSON reunion.
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS TAKEN FROM THE NEWSPAPER NAMED - HIGH SPRINGS TELEGRAM - ALACHUA COUNTY FREE PRESS HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1946, VOL.XXI, NO. 27
WILSON FAMILY HOLDS BIG RE-UNION
The grand rolling country southeast of Alachua was the setting for a remarkable gathering last weekend when George and Mrs. Wilson gathered around them all their children and grandchildren for a family re-union. Every one of the seven sons and daughters and grandchildren bringing the immediate attendance to 33, was on hand, with only one, Hamp Clark, Jr., serving in the army, absent.
Picture if you can a home set amid rolling hills where mammoth oaks spread protective shade and cultivated fields are bounded by others grazing cattle. The old home nestling in weathered grace in its vine-traced fence, and there you have the setting. Now, for the homey touch, add 30 feet of bountiful farm-home cooking and you have some idea of what the editors viewed on arrival.
That's the setting. But far more interesting were the 33 grandparents, grandchildren, children and friends gathered there. They came from Baltimore, Cuba, Jacksonville, High Springs, Alachua and elsewhere in our own and distant states. There were friends and neighbors as well - and all with but one thought, to honor Father and Mother, and while they could, meet again in familiar scenes.
No place but a rural setting and a farm home has so much of romance about it. The path, beaten to bare smoothness by countless feet; this one to the barn, that one to the well, the other down the road and over the hill to the schoolhouse. The gouges of shod feet, pattern of tractor, the swerving drag of bent-spoke wheel, they revive memories no other scene affords. The berry patch on side hill and remains of a stile long fallen to dust.
How is it earth retains imprint of footprints beyond the life of pavement? It does; probably in memory because the eye picks out divided trees where once a path led beyond the hill. The little old school and church as aging as Old Newnansville - we saw them and to our question learned that that was where the Wilson boys and girls learned their Rs, but now somnolent, gracious in a cloak as deft as encircling trees, they stand looking back, quietly, on years of life and accomplishment.
Both active and "years young," although we don't know how they stood the strain of 20-some grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson played the perfect hosts. You know, we nearly talked ourselves out of a treat. Barbecue to us, after 20 years of eating it at political rallies, prideful civic outbreaks and on the banks of rivers, is strictly anti-social when it comes to store teeth. It has always been our experience that you need a file along to put a barbecue-biting edge on them. After that, you go out behind the barn with a sharp instrument to get the string out from between.
We needn't have feared. Mr. Wilson cut off several pounds and insisted that we take it along when we went home. It was the most scrumptious, tenderest, tasteous meat we've had since cattlemen got mad at Mr. Truman. What is distinctly "out of this world" was homemade ice cream. Oh, there was just everything and a lot more. In fact, we never felt more at home anywhere than we did among the Wilson's.
We won't attempt to name all the grandchildren, but those in the immediate family were our hosts Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Wilson, Mr. John Newton Wilson and two children of Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Hamp Clark of High Springs, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Bishop Wilson of Alachua, and their five children, Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Ormond Barber and son of this city, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gracy Wilson and seven children of Alachua, Mr. and Mrs. James Woodrow Wilson of Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leroy Wilson and son, of Jacksonville, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Julian Wilson also of Jacksonville.
There were a couple of other Wilson's we can't place, brothers we think. Also Mrs. Lola Barber and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Olmsted Rawls of this city. We're forgetting someone, we know. But you know how it is, you can't remember everybody.
On Christmas Day in the afternoon, 25 December 194719 George Washington Wilson died of a heart attack., at their home in rural Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following are copies of his obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE GAINESVILLE SUN, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 28, 1947
G. W. WILSON, ALACHUA, DIES; FUNERAL TODAY.
Alachua, Dec. 27---Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Forest Grove Cemetery for George Washington Wilson, 68 who died suddenly at his home near here Christmas afternoon.
Rev. E. E. Ham, pastor of the High Springs Baptist Church, will officiate, and the DeWitt C. Jones Company of Gainesville is in charge of arrangements.
Serving as pallbearers will be N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Jessie Shaw, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers will be Simon Hastings, Henry LeRoy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and D. W. Dansby.
Mr. Wilson, who was a farmer, was born April 4, 1879 in Newnansville and had lived in Alachua County all his life. He was a son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson; two daughters, Mrs. Hamp Clark and Mrs. L. O. Barber of High Springs; six sons, John, Baltimore; Woodrow, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Leroy and Arthur Julian, Jacksonville; and Jesse and Aubrey, Alachua; two brother, Johnnie Wilson, Alachua; and Willie Wilson, High Springs; three sisters, Mrs. Allie Davis, High Springs; Mrs. Daisy Russell, Waycross, Georgia; and Mrs. Emma Cathcart, Manatee; and 20 grandchildren.
Another article appeared as follows, however do not know name of newspaper and the last part of the article is missing.
GEO. WILSON BURIED AT FOREST GROVE
Funeral service for the late George Washington Wilson, 68 was held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at Forest Grove Cemetery. Our late friend passed away suddenly Christmas afternoon of a heart attack.
The Rev. E. E. Ham of our city officiated at the service while arrangements were in the hands of DeWitt C. Jones. Pallbearers were N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers were Simon Hastings, Henry Leroy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and Geo. Dansby.
Another friend has crossed the Great Divide. A lifetime resident of our county, a farmer always, and a sterling citizen, it was his capable hands and the hands of others who for better description we say "farmer," who made out of rural Alachua county the self-sufficient land it is. Probably no tribute we can offer may exceed this, he sowed and he tilled into abundance land which was given unto his hands. Thus to our late friend we say, life for us all was better and richer because of you.
We are going to take you out south of Alachua to a natural bowl in the hills. There nested a rural home in a natural cup where trees and hills and cattle provided a rich setting for any man's life work. The scene we like best is a Sunday afternoon 18 months ago. The family was gathered around in a reunion none may view outside a farm homestead. Brothers, and sisters, children and grandchildren were there; neighbors and friends. Some had come far, some from our community, some from nearby.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, tired but happy were the hosts. Old days, the moment, the future were subjects of conversation. Beneath the mighty oaks long tables were spread. Only on the farm could this scene occur; only in the friendly spirit of our old friend could we, the casual acquaintance, could you enjoy the intimacy of this family circle.
Thus, today, we must speak of the past. The family, the farm, the community, the county, have lost a valuable member. And so we say in mourning, our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
Born April 4, 1879 in old Newnansville the son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson, deceased, member of the Baptist……the rest missing.
It appears this article may have been written by the same person that wrote about the WILSON reunion in September 1946 and the above article was probably in the High Springs newspaper, High Springs, Florida.
In the 1950's television becomes a feature of many American homes.
1950-1953 Korean War. U.S. intervenes against Communist North Korean forces invading the South.
1953 Eisenhower, former Allied commander in Europe, elected president.
On 12 March 195319 Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls Wilson died of cancer. Alice is buried beside her husband, George in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is Alice Rawls Wilson's obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE HIGH SPRINGS HERALD, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1953
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. ALICE R. WILSON
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson, aged 69 years, who died Thursday night at her home in Alachua. She had been ill for the past three months.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Alachua December 2, 1883, daughter of John G. and Janie (Burnett) Rawls, and had spent her entire life in this community. She was the widow of George Washington Wilson, who died three years ago. (George died 25 December 1947) She was an active member of the Forest Grove Baptist Church and of the South Alachua Home Demonstration club and took an active part in the club work of Alachua and the Forest Grove community.
Services at the Forest Grove Church were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Brown, assisted by Rev. J. Milton Ivey, pastor of the Methodist Church in High Springs.
Active bearers were N. E. Roberts, R. H. Cato, Earl Bryan, Buck Shaw, Claude White and Earl Jeffords. Honorary bearers were Barney Cato, Carl and Emory Williams, Leonard Walker, Benny Shaw, Claude Brannon, Curt Trammell, J. G. Tyre, Charlie Pope, Simon Haisten, Sam Feagle and S. J. Blanton.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lula Clark and Mrs. Laura Barber, both of High Springs, and six sons, Jesse and Aubrey of Alachua, Leroy and Woodrow of Jacksonville. Arthur Julian of New York and John Newton Wilson of Baltimore. There are several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. There are four brothers, Francis Olmsted Rawls, High Springs, Florida, John Gracy Rawls, Plymouth, Florida, Fred Rawls, Tampa, Durham Rawls, Alachua and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rawls Stiles of St. Petersburg, Florida and Mrs. Lois Rawls Lewis. (G. W. Lewis) of Alachua.
Sources:
1. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census, head of household Laura Wilson, 1920 Alachua County,
Florida census, death certificate #22972, tombstone.
2. Letter in February 1993 from oldest son John Newton Wilson.
3. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census head of household John G. Rawls, death certificate, tombstone.
4. The Gainesville Sun, pg. 22, Sunday, 23 May 1999 by Jud Magrin, staff writer.
5. Obituary, tombstone.
6. Tombstone.
7. Marriage record recorded in Alachua County, Florida, license #20.
8. Family Bible.
9. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, memory.
10. Family Bible, tombstone.
11. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone.
12. Family Bible and tombstone.
13. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
14. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone, death certificate.
15. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
16. ibid.
17. Family Bible.
18. Tombstone.
19. Death certificate, tombstone, obituary.
20. Ibid.
Prepared by Barbara Wilson Krause
15937 Marsala Drive
Fishers, IN 46037
[email protected]
317-747-4417
FAMILY HISTORY
GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON AND ALICE JANE RAWLS
George Washington Wilson one of ten children of Jasper Newton Wilson and Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson was born 4 April 1879,1 in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida. George's middle name was Mumford.2 George disliked the name so much he changed his middle name to Washington.
Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls, the eldest of eight children of John G. and Janie Burnett Rawls was born
2 December 1883,3 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
There was a major economic recession in the United States 1893 -1897.
The 1885 special federal census of Florida for Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Nassau Counties has been lost.
In the 1890's the first telephone came to Gainesville, Alachua County.4 There were about a dozen subscribers at $1.00 a month for the hand cranked device. In 2000 a $1.00 is worth about $18.00.
On 21 March 1893,5 George Washington Wilson's father, Jasper Newton Wilson, died of cancer. Jasper would have been 51 years of age in six days. George was 15 years old at the time of his father's death.
Jasper is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is a brief obituary of Jasper Newton Wilson. Name of paper this appeared currently unknown.
A Good Man Gone
GRACY, Fla., March 27. - After lingering illness of 18 months, Mr. J. N. Wilson died on the 21st inst., the immediate cause of his death being cancer. He was a good Christian a loving husband, father and brother, and leaves a large family and host of friends to mourn his demise. Some time ago Mr. Wilson heard a young lady singing "Meet Me There," and requested that the hymn be sang at his grave. Let us try and meet him in that heavenly home above.
In 1900 Alachua County population was 30,000.
On 18 April 1900,6 Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's mother, Janie Burnett Rawls died. Cause of death is currently unknown. Janie was 43 years old and her daughter, Alice was 16 years old at the time of her mother's death. Janie is buried in Newnansville Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, family number 740, Alachua County, Florida lists John G. Rawls (Alice's father) born August 1855, age 44, a widower, born in Florida of parents born in Florida, occupation farmer, can read, write and speak English, owned home, free of mortgage, farm #176; Alice Rawls born December 1883, age 16, born in Florida also both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; Lois Rawls born February 1886, age 14, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; John Rawls Jr., born June 1887, age 12, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Fred Rawls born April 1890, age 10, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Olmsted Rawls born March 1894, age 6, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Durham Rawls, born June 1895, age 4, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Mary Rawls born September 1896, age 3 ,born in Florida, both parents born in Florida. The census was taken as of 20 June 1900.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, Alachua County, Florida, lists Laura Wilson (George's mother) head of household, widow, 53 years old, born December 1846, in Georgia, both parents born in Georgia, mother of 10 children, number of children living 9, farmer living on a farm which she owns unencumbered, can read, write and speak English, family #753, farm #180; Joseph W. Wilson, son, born September 1874, age 25, single, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; George Wilson, son, born April 1879, age 21, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; Daisy B. Wilson, daughter born January 1884, age 16, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; and Allie L. Wilson, daughter, born July 1888, age 11, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English. Census date 21 June 1900.
1901 President McKinley assassinated.
George W. Wilson and Alice J. Rawls were married on Sunday, 27 January 19017 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1901-1909 Theodore Roosevelt elected as President, made famous during the Spanish American War by the press.
John Newton Wilson was born to George and Alice, Tuesday, 18 March 19028 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1903 Wilbur and Orville Wright test the first sustained flight of an aircraft in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Lula Alice Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 25 June 19059 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 6 July 1905, Gainesville chosen over Lake City as site of new university.
1906 University of Florida begins instruction with two buildings and 102 students.
1906 The Great San Francisco Earthquake, more than 450 people die, city destroyed.
George Washington Wilson Jr. was born to George and Alice , Saturday 3 October 190810 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The soundex for the 1910 census #W425 for George Washington Wilson's census record could not be located.
Aubrey Bishop Wilson was born to George and Alice, Saturday, 1 October 191011 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
George Washington Wilson Jr. died 30 October 191012 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. The cause of death is currently unknown. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1912 Woodrow Wilson elected president.
Laura Strobar Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 28 October 191213 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1914 World War I begins.
Jesse Gracy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 16 December 191414 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1915 German U-boat sinks the Lusitania in which Americans die, fueling the U.S. entrance into WWI.
1916 Albert Einstein completes his theory of relativity.
1916 Cotton industry in Alachua County ends after severe boll weevil infestation.
James Woodrow Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 4 September 191615 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Alachua County, Florida - 1917-18 Civilian Draft Registration listed birth information of residents of Alachua County in 1917-18. George Washington Wilson was listed from Alachua County, Florida his date of birth 4 April 1879.
1917 American troops arrive in France.
1918 World War I ends. Soldiers returned home from war bringing influenza virus with them, which killed millions worldwide.
On 27 May 1919, George Washington Wilson's mother, Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson died. Laura is buried beside her husband, Jasper Newton Wilson in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Ernest Leroy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 12 October 191916 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. Leroy was named for George and Alice's banker, Henry Leroy in Alachua, Florida. They thought so much of him they wanted to name their son after him.
1920 The 19th Amendment passes. Women gained the right to vote.
The 1920 federal census for Alachua County, Florida, Newberry precinct 3, ED 7 , number of family 306 list George W. Wilson, head, owned home, free of mortgage, age 40, able to read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida (His mother was born in Georgia), occupation farmer, general nature of farm, general farming; Allice (only one L) J. Wilson, wife, 34 years old, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; John N. Wilson, son, age 17, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Lula A. Wilson, daughter age 14, yes attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Aubrey B. Wilson, son age 9, attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Laura S. Wilson, daughter, age 7, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Jessie G. (Jesse) Wilson, son, age 5, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Woodroe (Woodrow) J. Wilson , son 3 4/12 years old, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Erenest (Ernest) L. Wilson, son, age 6/12 years old, born in Florida both parents born in Florida. Census enumeration date 19/20 April 1920.
There was a major economic recession in the United States in 1921.
Arthur Julian Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 19 October 192117 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 4 February 1926, Lula Alice Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Hamilton "Hamp" Clark, Sr., currently unknown where they were married.
On 21 November 1928, Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's father, John G. Rawls, age 74, died at home in Alachua County, Florida. He was buried 22 November 1928 in Alachua County, Florida, Old Newnansville Cemetery.
The will of John Green Rawls is in "Will Records 4, Alachua County, Florida," page 362. The will made 12 October 1926 and probated 24 November 1928, mentions wife Minnie J. Rawls, sons John G. Rawls Jr., Fred M. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls, daughters, Alice J. Wilson wife of George W. Wilson, and Lois L. Lewis wife of George Lewis. John G. Rawls Jr., is the executor. Minnie J. Rawls receives as life estate E1/2 NE ¼ Section 33 township 8 South Range 18 East and W1/2 NW1/4 Section 34 Township 8 South Range 18 East which includes the Rawls' home site which will go to daughter Alice upon death of Minnie Rawls; W1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Alice J. Wilson; and, E1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Lois L. Lewis; W1/2 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and SE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and S1/2 NE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East to be equally shared by sons Fred M.. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls. Those children not specifically listed had provision made for them during the lifetime of John Green Rawls. (This would be John Gracy Rawls, Durham Leval Rawls, who lived with Alice Wilson, and Mary Rawls Glover.)
1929 New York Stock Exchange crashes due to over-speculation, signaling the beginning of the Great Depression.
1930 The Great Depression. Banks failed and millions lose their jobs.
1931 U. S. banks fail, over eight million unemployed.
In a letter dated 24 March 1993, from Ernest Leroy Wilson, son of George and Alice Wilson, stated, that the banker he was named for in Alachua, Florida, Henry Leroy's bank closed during the depression. Leroy Wilson states, his father, George and mother, Alice had all their money in that bank when it closed and they lost all their money. Leroy Wilson states he understood their family was pretty well fixed financially, but the closing of the bank literally wiped them out. From then on it was "nip & tuck". Leroy Wilson stated his Dad would have to borrow money to buy seeds and fertilizer to keep farming.
1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President. He will serve a record three terms.
1933 Hitler takes power in Germany. Fascist state begins passing anti-Semitic legislation. Germans set up first concentration camps at Dachau. Later camps were used as extermination centers claiming millions of lives.
In 1934, Aubrey Bishop Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Martha Ellen "Ellen" Owens, currently unknown where they were married. Ellen's parents were Henry Owens and Aline Josie Graves Owens.
On 12 January 1935, Jesse Gracy Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Estelle Jeanette Baucum in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida. Recorded in Marriage Book 1, page 181, Gilchrist County, Florida. Estelle's parents were Clark Smith Baucum and Nettie Pogue Baucum.
On 17 December 1935, Laura Strobar Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Leighton Ormond Barber in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida.
1939 World War II begins.
1939 Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote "The Yearling".
1941 Japan bombs U.S. naval fleet in sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. U.S. enters war.
In 1941 Germans invade USSR and begin systematic elimination of Jews in concentration camps.
On 20 February 1941, John Newton Wilson, the eldest son of George and Alice Wilson, married Stanislawa Stella "Stella" Kordela in Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland. Stella's father was Franczeciak Frank Kordela and mother, Julia Anna Radwayska Kordela of Poland.
On 8 November 1941, James Woodrow Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Audrey Marie Swilley in High Springs, Alachua County, Florida. Marie's parents were Wallis Hampton "Hamp" Swilley and Clestine Maude "Maude" Barber Swilley.
On 27 June 1943, Arthur Julian Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Johnnie Margaret "Margaret" Fralick. Margaret's parents were Clyde Fralick and Annie Lucille Lipsey Fralick.
On 28 March 1944,18 Ellen Wilson, wife of Aubrey Bishop Wilson, died leaving five small children, ages 8 to 1 year old.
The 1945 Alachua County, Florida state census in precinct number 3, Alachua, address Route 1, Alachua, list George Wilson age 66, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a farmer; Alice Wilson, age 61, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a house wife.
On 20 January 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term as president.
On 24 March 1945, Ernest Leroy Wilson, a son of George and Alice married Margaret Mary "Marge" Dopke in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Marge's parents were Paul Frank Dopke and Margaret Neven Dopke.
On 12 April 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt dies of a cerebral hemorrhage. Harry Truman is sworn in as president.
On 30 April 1945, Hitler, commits suicide in his underground bunker in Berlin.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrenders, ending the European war. Victory in Europe (V-E) Day is declared in the United States as massive celebrations erupt.
On 6 August 1945, United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The resulting devastation amazes even the scientists who created it. More than fifty thousand people perish in seconds, and four square miles of the city are reduced to rubble.
On 9 August 1945, an atomic bomb is dropped, on Nagasaki in southern Japan, killing forty thousand Japanese civilians immediately. Tokyo announces its intention to surrender.
On 2 September 1945, Japan signs a formal surrender onboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
On 15 September 1945, Aubrey Bishop, a son of George and Alice married Nettie Irene "Irene" Mayo in Gilchrist County, Florida. Irene's parents were George Howell Mayo, Sr. and Myrtie Sargent Mayo.
On 20 November 1945, allies begin trails of German war criminals in Nuremberg for atrocities committed during the war.
In September,1946, Nuremberg trails end.
In September, 1946, George and Alice Wilson held a big WILSON reunion.
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS TAKEN FROM THE NEWSPAPER NAMED - HIGH SPRINGS TELEGRAM - ALACHUA COUNTY FREE PRESS HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1946, VOL.XXI, NO. 27
WILSON FAMILY HOLDS BIG RE-UNION
The grand rolling country southeast of Alachua was the setting for a remarkable gathering last weekend when George and Mrs. Wilson gathered around them all their children and grandchildren for a family re-union. Every one of the seven sons and daughters and grandchildren bringing the immediate attendance to 33, was on hand, with only one, Hamp Clark, Jr., serving in the army, absent.
Picture if you can a home set amid rolling hills where mammoth oaks spread protective shade and cultivated fields are bounded by others grazing cattle. The old home nestling in weathered grace in its vine-traced fence, and there you have the setting. Now, for the homey touch, add 30 feet of bountiful farm-home cooking and you have some idea of what the editors viewed on arrival.
That's the setting. But far more interesting were the 33 grandparents, grandchildren, children and friends gathered there. They came from Baltimore, Cuba, Jacksonville, High Springs, Alachua and elsewhere in our own and distant states. There were friends and neighbors as well - and all with but one thought, to honor Father and Mother, and while they could, meet again in familiar scenes.
No place but a rural setting and a farm home has so much of romance about it. The path, beaten to bare smoothness by countless feet; this one to the barn, that one to the well, the other down the road and over the hill to the schoolhouse. The gouges of shod feet, pattern of tractor, the swerving drag of bent-spoke wheel, they revive memories no other scene affords. The berry patch on side hill and remains of a stile long fallen to dust.
How is it earth retains imprint of footprints beyond the life of pavement? It does; probably in memory because the eye picks out divided trees where once a path led beyond the hill. The little old school and church as aging as Old Newnansville - we saw them and to our question learned that that was where the Wilson boys and girls learned their Rs, but now somnolent, gracious in a cloak as deft as encircling trees, they stand looking back, quietly, on years of life and accomplishment.
Both active and "years young," although we don't know how they stood the strain of 20-some grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson played the perfect hosts. You know, we nearly talked ourselves out of a treat. Barbecue to us, after 20 years of eating it at political rallies, prideful civic outbreaks and on the banks of rivers, is strictly anti-social when it comes to store teeth. It has always been our experience that you need a file along to put a barbecue-biting edge on them. After that, you go out behind the barn with a sharp instrument to get the string out from between.
We needn't have feared. Mr. Wilson cut off several pounds and insisted that we take it along when we went home. It was the most scrumptious, tenderest, tasteous meat we've had since cattlemen got mad at Mr. Truman. What is distinctly "out of this world" was homemade ice cream. Oh, there was just everything and a lot more. In fact, we never felt more at home anywhere than we did among the Wilson's.
We won't attempt to name all the grandchildren, but those in the immediate family were our hosts Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Wilson, Mr. John Newton Wilson and two children of Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Hamp Clark of High Springs, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Bishop Wilson of Alachua, and their five children, Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Ormond Barber and son of this city, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gracy Wilson and seven children of Alachua, Mr. and Mrs. James Woodrow Wilson of Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leroy Wilson and son, of Jacksonville, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Julian Wilson also of Jacksonville.
There were a couple of other Wilson's we can't place, brothers we think. Also Mrs. Lola Barber and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Olmsted Rawls of this city. We're forgetting someone, we know. But you know how it is, you can't remember everybody.
On Christmas Day in the afternoon, 25 December 194719 George Washington Wilson died of a heart attack., at their home in rural Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following are copies of his obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE GAINESVILLE SUN, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 28, 1947
G. W. WILSON, ALACHUA, DIES; FUNERAL TODAY.
Alachua, Dec. 27---Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Forest Grove Cemetery for George Washington Wilson, 68 who died suddenly at his home near here Christmas afternoon.
Rev. E. E. Ham, pastor of the High Springs Baptist Church, will officiate, and the DeWitt C. Jones Company of Gainesville is in charge of arrangements.
Serving as pallbearers will be N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Jessie Shaw, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers will be Simon Hastings, Henry LeRoy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and D. W. Dansby.
Mr. Wilson, who was a farmer, was born April 4, 1879 in Newnansville and had lived in Alachua County all his life. He was a son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson; two daughters, Mrs. Hamp Clark and Mrs. L. O. Barber of High Springs; six sons, John, Baltimore; Woodrow, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Leroy and Arthur Julian, Jacksonville; and Jesse and Aubrey, Alachua; two brother, Johnnie Wilson, Alachua; and Willie Wilson, High Springs; three sisters, Mrs. Allie Davis, High Springs; Mrs. Daisy Russell, Waycross, Georgia; and Mrs. Emma Cathcart, Manatee; and 20 grandchildren.
Another article appeared as follows, however do not know name of newspaper and the last part of the article is missing.
GEO. WILSON BURIED AT FOREST GROVE
Funeral service for the late George Washington Wilson, 68 was held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at Forest Grove Cemetery. Our late friend passed away suddenly Christmas afternoon of a heart attack.
The Rev. E. E. Ham of our city officiated at the service while arrangements were in the hands of DeWitt C. Jones. Pallbearers were N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers were Simon Hastings, Henry Leroy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and Geo. Dansby.
Another friend has crossed the Great Divide. A lifetime resident of our county, a farmer always, and a sterling citizen, it was his capable hands and the hands of others who for better description we say "farmer," who made out of rural Alachua county the self-sufficient land it is. Probably no tribute we can offer may exceed this, he sowed and he tilled into abundance land which was given unto his hands. Thus to our late friend we say, life for us all was better and richer because of you.
We are going to take you out south of Alachua to a natural bowl in the hills. There nested a rural home in a natural cup where trees and hills and cattle provided a rich setting for any man's life work. The scene we like best is a Sunday afternoon 18 months ago. The family was gathered around in a reunion none may view outside a farm homestead. Brothers, and sisters, children and grandchildren were there; neighbors and friends. Some had come far, some from our community, some from nearby.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, tired but happy were the hosts. Old days, the moment, the future were subjects of conversation. Beneath the mighty oaks long tables were spread. Only on the farm could this scene occur; only in the friendly spirit of our old friend could we, the casual acquaintance, could you enjoy the intimacy of this family circle.
Thus, today, we must speak of the past. The family, the farm, the community, the county, have lost a valuable member. And so we say in mourning, our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
Born April 4, 1879 in old Newnansville the son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson, deceased, member of the Baptist……the rest missing.
It appears this article may have been written by the same person that wrote about the WILSON reunion in September 1946 and the above article was probably in the High Springs newspaper, High Springs, Florida.
In the 1950's television becomes a feature of many American homes.
1950-1953 Korean War. U.S. intervenes against Communist North Korean forces invading the South.
1953 Eisenhower, former Allied commander in Europe, elected president.
On 12 March 195319 Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls Wilson died of cancer. Alice is buried beside her husband, George in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is Alice Rawls Wilson's obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE HIGH SPRINGS HERALD, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1953
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. ALICE R. WILSON
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson, aged 69 years, who died Thursday night at her home in Alachua. She had been ill for the past three months.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Alachua December 2, 1883, daughter of John G. and Janie (Burnett) Rawls, and had spent her entire life in this community. She was the widow of George Washington Wilson, who died three years ago. (George died 25 December 1947) She was an active member of the Forest Grove Baptist Church and of the South Alachua Home Demonstration club and took an active part in the club work of Alachua and the Forest Grove community.
Services at the Forest Grove Church were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Brown, assisted by Rev. J. Milton Ivey, pastor of the Methodist Church in High Springs.
Active bearers were N. E. Roberts, R. H. Cato, Earl Bryan, Buck Shaw, Claude White and Earl Jeffords. Honorary bearers were Barney Cato, Carl and Emory Williams, Leonard Walker, Benny Shaw, Claude Brannon, Curt Trammell, J. G. Tyre, Charlie Pope, Simon Haisten, Sam Feagle and S. J. Blanton.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lula Clark and Mrs. Laura Barber, both of High Springs, and six sons, Jesse and Aubrey of Alachua, Leroy and Woodrow of Jacksonville. Arthur Julian of New York and John Newton Wilson of Baltimore. There are several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. There are four brothers, Francis Olmsted Rawls, High Springs, Florida, John Gracy Rawls, Plymouth, Florida, Fred Rawls, Tampa, Durham Rawls, Alachua and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rawls Stiles of St. Petersburg, Florida and Mrs. Lois Rawls Lewis. (G. W. Lewis) of Alachua.
Sources:
1. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census, head of household Laura Wilson, 1920 Alachua County,
Florida census, death certificate #22972, tombstone.
2. Letter in February 1993 from oldest son John Newton Wilson.
3. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census head of household John G. Rawls, death certificate, tombstone.
4. The Gainesville Sun, pg. 22, Sunday, 23 May 1999 by Jud Magrin, staff writer.
5. Obituary, tombstone.
6. Tombstone.
7. Marriage record recorded in Alachua County, Florida, license #20.
8. Family Bible.
9. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, memory.
10. Family Bible, tombstone.
11. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone.
12. Family Bible and tombstone.
13. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
14. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone, death certificate.
15. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
16. ibid.
17. Family Bible.
18. Tombstone.
19. Death certificate, tombstone, obituary.
20. Ibid.
Prepared by Barbara Wilson Krause
15937 Marsala Drive
Fishers, IN 46037
[email protected]
317-747-4417
GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON AND ALICE JANE RAWLS
George Washington Wilson one of ten children of Jasper Newton Wilson and Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson was born 4 April 1879,1 in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida. George's middle name was Mumford.2 George disliked the name so much he changed his middle name to Washington.
Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls, the eldest of eight children of John G. and Janie Burnett Rawls was born
2 December 1883,3 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
There was a major economic recession in the United States 1893 -1897.
The 1885 special federal census of Florida for Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Nassau Counties has been lost.
In the 1890's the first telephone came to Gainesville, Alachua County.4 There were about a dozen subscribers at $1.00 a month for the hand cranked device. In 2000 a $1.00 is worth about $18.00.
On 21 March 1893,5 George Washington Wilson's father, Jasper Newton Wilson, died of cancer. Jasper would have been 51 years of age in six days. George was 15 years old at the time of his father's death.
Jasper is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is a brief obituary of Jasper Newton Wilson. Name of paper this appeared currently unknown.
A Good Man Gone
GRACY, Fla., March 27. - After lingering illness of 18 months, Mr. J. N. Wilson died on the 21st inst., the immediate cause of his death being cancer. He was a good Christian a loving husband, father and brother, and leaves a large family and host of friends to mourn his demise. Some time ago Mr. Wilson heard a young lady singing "Meet Me There," and requested that the hymn be sang at his grave. Let us try and meet him in that heavenly home above.
In 1900 Alachua County population was 30,000.
On 18 April 1900,6 Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's mother, Janie Burnett Rawls died. Cause of death is currently unknown. Janie was 43 years old and her daughter, Alice was 16 years old at the time of her mother's death. Janie is buried in Newnansville Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, family number 740, Alachua County, Florida lists John G. Rawls (Alice's father) born August 1855, age 44, a widower, born in Florida of parents born in Florida, occupation farmer, can read, write and speak English, owned home, free of mortgage, farm #176; Alice Rawls born December 1883, age 16, born in Florida also both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; Lois Rawls born February 1886, age 14, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write, and speak English; John Rawls Jr., born June 1887, age 12, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Fred Rawls born April 1890, age 10, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; Olmsted Rawls born March 1894, age 6, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Durham Rawls, born June 1895, age 4, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Mary Rawls born September 1896, age 3 ,born in Florida, both parents born in Florida. The census was taken as of 20 June 1900.
The 1900 federal census for precinct No. 3, Alachua County, Florida, lists Laura Wilson (George's mother) head of household, widow, 53 years old, born December 1846, in Georgia, both parents born in Georgia, mother of 10 children, number of children living 9, farmer living on a farm which she owns unencumbered, can read, write and speak English, family #753, farm #180; Joseph W. Wilson, son, born September 1874, age 25, single, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; George Wilson, son, born April 1879, age 21, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, farm laborer, can read, write and speak English; Daisy B. Wilson, daughter born January 1884, age 16, single born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English; and Allie L. Wilson, daughter, born July 1888, age 11, born in Florida, father born in Florida, and mother born in Georgia, attended school 5 months, can read, write and speak English. Census date 21 June 1900.
1901 President McKinley assassinated.
George W. Wilson and Alice J. Rawls were married on Sunday, 27 January 19017 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1901-1909 Theodore Roosevelt elected as President, made famous during the Spanish American War by the press.
John Newton Wilson was born to George and Alice, Tuesday, 18 March 19028 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1903 Wilbur and Orville Wright test the first sustained flight of an aircraft in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Lula Alice Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 25 June 19059 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 6 July 1905, Gainesville chosen over Lake City as site of new university.
1906 University of Florida begins instruction with two buildings and 102 students.
1906 The Great San Francisco Earthquake, more than 450 people die, city destroyed.
George Washington Wilson Jr. was born to George and Alice , Saturday 3 October 190810 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The soundex for the 1910 census #W425 for George Washington Wilson's census record could not be located.
Aubrey Bishop Wilson was born to George and Alice, Saturday, 1 October 191011 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
George Washington Wilson Jr. died 30 October 191012 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. The cause of death is currently unknown. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1912 Woodrow Wilson elected president.
Laura Strobar Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 28 October 191213 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1914 World War I begins.
Jesse Gracy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 16 December 191414 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
1915 German U-boat sinks the Lusitania in which Americans die, fueling the U.S. entrance into WWI.
1916 Albert Einstein completes his theory of relativity.
1916 Cotton industry in Alachua County ends after severe boll weevil infestation.
James Woodrow Wilson was born to George and Alice, Monday, 4 September 191615 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Alachua County, Florida - 1917-18 Civilian Draft Registration listed birth information of residents of Alachua County in 1917-18. George Washington Wilson was listed from Alachua County, Florida his date of birth 4 April 1879.
1917 American troops arrive in France.
1918 World War I ends. Soldiers returned home from war bringing influenza virus with them, which killed millions worldwide.
On 27 May 1919, George Washington Wilson's mother, Laura Strobar Guinn Wilson died. Laura is buried beside her husband, Jasper Newton Wilson in Forest Grove Cemetery near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
Ernest Leroy Wilson was born to George and Alice, Sunday, 12 October 191916 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. Leroy was named for George and Alice's banker, Henry Leroy in Alachua, Florida. They thought so much of him they wanted to name their son after him.
1920 The 19th Amendment passes. Women gained the right to vote.
The 1920 federal census for Alachua County, Florida, Newberry precinct 3, ED 7 , number of family 306 list George W. Wilson, head, owned home, free of mortgage, age 40, able to read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida (His mother was born in Georgia), occupation farmer, general nature of farm, general farming; Allice (only one L) J. Wilson, wife, 34 years old, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; John N. Wilson, son, age 17, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Lula A. Wilson, daughter age 14, yes attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Aubrey B. Wilson, son age 9, attended school some time since 1 September 1919, can read and write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Laura S. Wilson, daughter, age 7, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Jessie G. (Jesse) Wilson, son, age 5, did not attend school any time since 1 September 1919, can't read or write, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Woodroe (Woodrow) J. Wilson , son 3 4/12 years old, born in Florida, both parents born in Florida; Erenest (Ernest) L. Wilson, son, age 6/12 years old, born in Florida both parents born in Florida. Census enumeration date 19/20 April 1920.
There was a major economic recession in the United States in 1921.
Arthur Julian Wilson was born to George and Alice, Wednesday, 19 October 192117 in Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
On 4 February 1926, Lula Alice Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Hamilton "Hamp" Clark, Sr., currently unknown where they were married.
On 21 November 1928, Alice Jane Rawls Wilson's father, John G. Rawls, age 74, died at home in Alachua County, Florida. He was buried 22 November 1928 in Alachua County, Florida, Old Newnansville Cemetery.
The will of John Green Rawls is in "Will Records 4, Alachua County, Florida," page 362. The will made 12 October 1926 and probated 24 November 1928, mentions wife Minnie J. Rawls, sons John G. Rawls Jr., Fred M. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls, daughters, Alice J. Wilson wife of George W. Wilson, and Lois L. Lewis wife of George Lewis. John G. Rawls Jr., is the executor. Minnie J. Rawls receives as life estate E1/2 NE ¼ Section 33 township 8 South Range 18 East and W1/2 NW1/4 Section 34 Township 8 South Range 18 East which includes the Rawls' home site which will go to daughter Alice upon death of Minnie Rawls; W1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Alice J. Wilson; and, E1/2 SE1/4 Section 33 Township 8 South Range 18 East is to go to daughter Lois L. Lewis; W1/2 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and SE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East and S1/2 NE1/4 Section 27 Township 8 South Range 18 East to be equally shared by sons Fred M.. Rawls and F. Olmsted Rawls. Those children not specifically listed had provision made for them during the lifetime of John Green Rawls. (This would be John Gracy Rawls, Durham Leval Rawls, who lived with Alice Wilson, and Mary Rawls Glover.)
1929 New York Stock Exchange crashes due to over-speculation, signaling the beginning of the Great Depression.
1930 The Great Depression. Banks failed and millions lose their jobs.
1931 U. S. banks fail, over eight million unemployed.
In a letter dated 24 March 1993, from Ernest Leroy Wilson, son of George and Alice Wilson, stated, that the banker he was named for in Alachua, Florida, Henry Leroy's bank closed during the depression. Leroy Wilson states, his father, George and mother, Alice had all their money in that bank when it closed and they lost all their money. Leroy Wilson states he understood their family was pretty well fixed financially, but the closing of the bank literally wiped them out. From then on it was "nip & tuck". Leroy Wilson stated his Dad would have to borrow money to buy seeds and fertilizer to keep farming.
1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President. He will serve a record three terms.
1933 Hitler takes power in Germany. Fascist state begins passing anti-Semitic legislation. Germans set up first concentration camps at Dachau. Later camps were used as extermination centers claiming millions of lives.
In 1934, Aubrey Bishop Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Martha Ellen "Ellen" Owens, currently unknown where they were married. Ellen's parents were Henry Owens and Aline Josie Graves Owens.
On 12 January 1935, Jesse Gracy Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Estelle Jeanette Baucum in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida. Recorded in Marriage Book 1, page 181, Gilchrist County, Florida. Estelle's parents were Clark Smith Baucum and Nettie Pogue Baucum.
On 17 December 1935, Laura Strobar Wilson, a daughter of George and Alice Wilson, married Leighton Ormond Barber in Trenton, Gilchrist County, Florida.
1939 World War II begins.
1939 Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote "The Yearling".
1941 Japan bombs U.S. naval fleet in sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. U.S. enters war.
In 1941 Germans invade USSR and begin systematic elimination of Jews in concentration camps.
On 20 February 1941, John Newton Wilson, the eldest son of George and Alice Wilson, married Stanislawa Stella "Stella" Kordela in Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland. Stella's father was Franczeciak Frank Kordela and mother, Julia Anna Radwayska Kordela of Poland.
On 8 November 1941, James Woodrow Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Audrey Marie Swilley in High Springs, Alachua County, Florida. Marie's parents were Wallis Hampton "Hamp" Swilley and Clestine Maude "Maude" Barber Swilley.
On 27 June 1943, Arthur Julian Wilson, a son of George and Alice Wilson, married Johnnie Margaret "Margaret" Fralick. Margaret's parents were Clyde Fralick and Annie Lucille Lipsey Fralick.
On 28 March 1944,18 Ellen Wilson, wife of Aubrey Bishop Wilson, died leaving five small children, ages 8 to 1 year old.
The 1945 Alachua County, Florida state census in precinct number 3, Alachua, address Route 1, Alachua, list George Wilson age 66, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a farmer; Alice Wilson, age 61, born in Florida, degree of education 7th grade, a house wife.
On 20 January 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term as president.
On 24 March 1945, Ernest Leroy Wilson, a son of George and Alice married Margaret Mary "Marge" Dopke in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Marge's parents were Paul Frank Dopke and Margaret Neven Dopke.
On 12 April 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt dies of a cerebral hemorrhage. Harry Truman is sworn in as president.
On 30 April 1945, Hitler, commits suicide in his underground bunker in Berlin.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrenders, ending the European war. Victory in Europe (V-E) Day is declared in the United States as massive celebrations erupt.
On 6 August 1945, United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The resulting devastation amazes even the scientists who created it. More than fifty thousand people perish in seconds, and four square miles of the city are reduced to rubble.
On 9 August 1945, an atomic bomb is dropped, on Nagasaki in southern Japan, killing forty thousand Japanese civilians immediately. Tokyo announces its intention to surrender.
On 2 September 1945, Japan signs a formal surrender onboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
On 15 September 1945, Aubrey Bishop, a son of George and Alice married Nettie Irene "Irene" Mayo in Gilchrist County, Florida. Irene's parents were George Howell Mayo, Sr. and Myrtie Sargent Mayo.
On 20 November 1945, allies begin trails of German war criminals in Nuremberg for atrocities committed during the war.
In September,1946, Nuremberg trails end.
In September, 1946, George and Alice Wilson held a big WILSON reunion.
THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS TAKEN FROM THE NEWSPAPER NAMED - HIGH SPRINGS TELEGRAM - ALACHUA COUNTY FREE PRESS HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1946, VOL.XXI, NO. 27
WILSON FAMILY HOLDS BIG RE-UNION
The grand rolling country southeast of Alachua was the setting for a remarkable gathering last weekend when George and Mrs. Wilson gathered around them all their children and grandchildren for a family re-union. Every one of the seven sons and daughters and grandchildren bringing the immediate attendance to 33, was on hand, with only one, Hamp Clark, Jr., serving in the army, absent.
Picture if you can a home set amid rolling hills where mammoth oaks spread protective shade and cultivated fields are bounded by others grazing cattle. The old home nestling in weathered grace in its vine-traced fence, and there you have the setting. Now, for the homey touch, add 30 feet of bountiful farm-home cooking and you have some idea of what the editors viewed on arrival.
That's the setting. But far more interesting were the 33 grandparents, grandchildren, children and friends gathered there. They came from Baltimore, Cuba, Jacksonville, High Springs, Alachua and elsewhere in our own and distant states. There were friends and neighbors as well - and all with but one thought, to honor Father and Mother, and while they could, meet again in familiar scenes.
No place but a rural setting and a farm home has so much of romance about it. The path, beaten to bare smoothness by countless feet; this one to the barn, that one to the well, the other down the road and over the hill to the schoolhouse. The gouges of shod feet, pattern of tractor, the swerving drag of bent-spoke wheel, they revive memories no other scene affords. The berry patch on side hill and remains of a stile long fallen to dust.
How is it earth retains imprint of footprints beyond the life of pavement? It does; probably in memory because the eye picks out divided trees where once a path led beyond the hill. The little old school and church as aging as Old Newnansville - we saw them and to our question learned that that was where the Wilson boys and girls learned their Rs, but now somnolent, gracious in a cloak as deft as encircling trees, they stand looking back, quietly, on years of life and accomplishment.
Both active and "years young," although we don't know how they stood the strain of 20-some grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson played the perfect hosts. You know, we nearly talked ourselves out of a treat. Barbecue to us, after 20 years of eating it at political rallies, prideful civic outbreaks and on the banks of rivers, is strictly anti-social when it comes to store teeth. It has always been our experience that you need a file along to put a barbecue-biting edge on them. After that, you go out behind the barn with a sharp instrument to get the string out from between.
We needn't have feared. Mr. Wilson cut off several pounds and insisted that we take it along when we went home. It was the most scrumptious, tenderest, tasteous meat we've had since cattlemen got mad at Mr. Truman. What is distinctly "out of this world" was homemade ice cream. Oh, there was just everything and a lot more. In fact, we never felt more at home anywhere than we did among the Wilson's.
We won't attempt to name all the grandchildren, but those in the immediate family were our hosts Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Wilson, Mr. John Newton Wilson and two children of Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Hamp Clark of High Springs, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Bishop Wilson of Alachua, and their five children, Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Ormond Barber and son of this city, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gracy Wilson and seven children of Alachua, Mr. and Mrs. James Woodrow Wilson of Guatanamo Bay, Cuba, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leroy Wilson and son, of Jacksonville, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Julian Wilson also of Jacksonville.
There were a couple of other Wilson's we can't place, brothers we think. Also Mrs. Lola Barber and Mr. and Mrs. Francis Olmsted Rawls of this city. We're forgetting someone, we know. But you know how it is, you can't remember everybody.
On Christmas Day in the afternoon, 25 December 194719 George Washington Wilson died of a heart attack., at their home in rural Alachua, Alachua County, Florida. George is buried in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following are copies of his obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE GAINESVILLE SUN, GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 28, 1947
G. W. WILSON, ALACHUA, DIES; FUNERAL TODAY.
Alachua, Dec. 27---Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Forest Grove Cemetery for George Washington Wilson, 68 who died suddenly at his home near here Christmas afternoon.
Rev. E. E. Ham, pastor of the High Springs Baptist Church, will officiate, and the DeWitt C. Jones Company of Gainesville is in charge of arrangements.
Serving as pallbearers will be N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Jessie Shaw, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers will be Simon Hastings, Henry LeRoy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and D. W. Dansby.
Mr. Wilson, who was a farmer, was born April 4, 1879 in Newnansville and had lived in Alachua County all his life. He was a son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson; two daughters, Mrs. Hamp Clark and Mrs. L. O. Barber of High Springs; six sons, John, Baltimore; Woodrow, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Leroy and Arthur Julian, Jacksonville; and Jesse and Aubrey, Alachua; two brother, Johnnie Wilson, Alachua; and Willie Wilson, High Springs; three sisters, Mrs. Allie Davis, High Springs; Mrs. Daisy Russell, Waycross, Georgia; and Mrs. Emma Cathcart, Manatee; and 20 grandchildren.
Another article appeared as follows, however do not know name of newspaper and the last part of the article is missing.
GEO. WILSON BURIED AT FOREST GROVE
Funeral service for the late George Washington Wilson, 68 was held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at Forest Grove Cemetery. Our late friend passed away suddenly Christmas afternoon of a heart attack.
The Rev. E. E. Ham of our city officiated at the service while arrangements were in the hands of DeWitt C. Jones. Pallbearers were N. E. Roberts, Lamar Eddy, Emory Williams, Carl Williams, and Dickie Stringer. Honorary pallbearers were Simon Hastings, Henry Leroy, Benny Shaw, Carlisle Dupree, Barney Cato, Tom Campbell, Earl Traxler, and Geo. Dansby.
Another friend has crossed the Great Divide. A lifetime resident of our county, a farmer always, and a sterling citizen, it was his capable hands and the hands of others who for better description we say "farmer," who made out of rural Alachua county the self-sufficient land it is. Probably no tribute we can offer may exceed this, he sowed and he tilled into abundance land which was given unto his hands. Thus to our late friend we say, life for us all was better and richer because of you.
We are going to take you out south of Alachua to a natural bowl in the hills. There nested a rural home in a natural cup where trees and hills and cattle provided a rich setting for any man's life work. The scene we like best is a Sunday afternoon 18 months ago. The family was gathered around in a reunion none may view outside a farm homestead. Brothers, and sisters, children and grandchildren were there; neighbors and friends. Some had come far, some from our community, some from nearby.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, tired but happy were the hosts. Old days, the moment, the future were subjects of conversation. Beneath the mighty oaks long tables were spread. Only on the farm could this scene occur; only in the friendly spirit of our old friend could we, the casual acquaintance, could you enjoy the intimacy of this family circle.
Thus, today, we must speak of the past. The family, the farm, the community, the county, have lost a valuable member. And so we say in mourning, our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
Born April 4, 1879 in old Newnansville the son of the late Jasper and Laura Strobar Wilson, deceased, member of the Baptist……the rest missing.
It appears this article may have been written by the same person that wrote about the WILSON reunion in September 1946 and the above article was probably in the High Springs newspaper, High Springs, Florida.
In the 1950's television becomes a feature of many American homes.
1950-1953 Korean War. U.S. intervenes against Communist North Korean forces invading the South.
1953 Eisenhower, former Allied commander in Europe, elected president.
On 12 March 195319 Alice Jane "Janie" Rawls Wilson died of cancer. Alice is buried beside her husband, George in Forest Grove Cemetery, near Alachua, Alachua County, Florida.
The following is Alice Rawls Wilson's obituary.
OBITUARY TAKEN FROM THE HIGH SPRINGS HERALD, HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1953
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. ALICE R. WILSON
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Alice Rawls Wilson, aged 69 years, who died Thursday night at her home in Alachua. She had been ill for the past three months.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Alachua December 2, 1883, daughter of John G. and Janie (Burnett) Rawls, and had spent her entire life in this community. She was the widow of George Washington Wilson, who died three years ago. (George died 25 December 1947) She was an active member of the Forest Grove Baptist Church and of the South Alachua Home Demonstration club and took an active part in the club work of Alachua and the Forest Grove community.
Services at the Forest Grove Church were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Brown, assisted by Rev. J. Milton Ivey, pastor of the Methodist Church in High Springs.
Active bearers were N. E. Roberts, R. H. Cato, Earl Bryan, Buck Shaw, Claude White and Earl Jeffords. Honorary bearers were Barney Cato, Carl and Emory Williams, Leonard Walker, Benny Shaw, Claude Brannon, Curt Trammell, J. G. Tyre, Charlie Pope, Simon Haisten, Sam Feagle and S. J. Blanton.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lula Clark and Mrs. Laura Barber, both of High Springs, and six sons, Jesse and Aubrey of Alachua, Leroy and Woodrow of Jacksonville. Arthur Julian of New York and John Newton Wilson of Baltimore. There are several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. There are four brothers, Francis Olmsted Rawls, High Springs, Florida, John Gracy Rawls, Plymouth, Florida, Fred Rawls, Tampa, Durham Rawls, Alachua and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rawls Stiles of St. Petersburg, Florida and Mrs. Lois Rawls Lewis. (G. W. Lewis) of Alachua.
Sources:
1. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census, head of household Laura Wilson, 1920 Alachua County,
Florida census, death certificate #22972, tombstone.
2. Letter in February 1993 from oldest son John Newton Wilson.
3. 1900 Alachua County, Florida census head of household John G. Rawls, death certificate, tombstone.
4. The Gainesville Sun, pg. 22, Sunday, 23 May 1999 by Jud Magrin, staff writer.
5. Obituary, tombstone.
6. Tombstone.
7. Marriage record recorded in Alachua County, Florida, license #20.
8. Family Bible.
9. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, memory.
10. Family Bible, tombstone.
11. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone.
12. Family Bible and tombstone.
13. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
14. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census, tombstone, death certificate.
15. Family Bible, 1920 Alachua County, Florida census.
16. ibid.
17. Family Bible.
18. Tombstone.
19. Death certificate, tombstone, obituary.
20. Ibid.
Prepared by Barbara Wilson Krause
15937 Marsala Drive
Fishers, IN 46037
[email protected]
317-747-4417
Family Members
Siblings
Children
-
![]()
John Newton Wilson
1902–2001
-
![]()
Lula Alice Wilson Clark
1905–1994
-
![]()
George Washington Wilson Jr
1908–1910
-
![]()
Aubrey Bishop Wilson
1910–1991
-
![]()
Laura Strobar Wilson Barber
1912–1987
-
![]()
Jesse Gracy Wilson Sr
1914–1968
-
![]()
James Woodrow Wilson
1916–1983
-
![]()
Ernest Leroy Wilson
1919–1999
-
![]()
Arthur Julian "A.J. or Art" Wilson
1921–2015
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
