My paternal Great-Great-Grandfather
Frank Wilson
(24 Mar 1870 - 19 May 1970)
(click on image to enlarge)
Frank Wilson, who was born in a log cabin east of Kenton in Dudley township, will reach his 100th birthday Tuesday. He is the oldest man in Hardin county.
However, he will greet friends in a special open house for him 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hardin county home and hospital dining room where has has been a resident since Jan. 6.
Frank has had many occupations in his life. He has farmed, operated a resort in Michigan (Evans lake near Adrian), run a sawmill (he took all the timber off Orchard island, Indian lake), operated a thrashing rig for 25 years, built roads in Michigan, did carpentry work for three winters in Florida (around Sebring) and drilled wells all over the county.
He was an early auto driver and remembers driving to St. Francis, Kansas during World War I when roads were unmarked and he didn't have a compass.
His mind is still clear and he can spin many a tale of his early experiences.
He remembers when he was a boy that Kenton "wasn't much of a town."
Wilson has been married twice, his second wife Anna is still living and is also at the county home. She is a spry 95. They have been married 36 years.
He is the father of two daughters one Mrs. Harry [Coza] Rapp died last year and the other Mrs. Ray [June] Leininger lives in New Orleans, La. and will be up next year for a visit.
Wilson has three grandsons, Marion Rapp of Bellefontaine, Wellington of Route 5, Kenton and Wilbur of Titusville, Fla., also a granddaughter Mrs. Herbert [Woneta Rapp] LeVally of Ridgeway. There are two deceased grandchildren.
He also has 17 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.
Frank gave up farming 14 years ago and two years ago stopped driving. He notes that his driver's license is expiring. He can't wait until the weather warms up so he can get out and walk around on the ground.
Source: Gardner, Thad; Kenton Times; March, 1970.
However, he will greet friends in a special open house for him 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hardin county home and hospital dining room where has has been a resident since Jan. 6.
Frank has had many occupations in his life. He has farmed, operated a resort in Michigan (Evans lake near Adrian), run a sawmill (he took all the timber off Orchard island, Indian lake), operated a thrashing rig for 25 years, built roads in Michigan, did carpentry work for three winters in Florida (around Sebring) and drilled wells all over the county.
He was an early auto driver and remembers driving to St. Francis, Kansas during World War I when roads were unmarked and he didn't have a compass.
His mind is still clear and he can spin many a tale of his early experiences.
He remembers when he was a boy that Kenton "wasn't much of a town."
Wilson has been married twice, his second wife Anna is still living and is also at the county home. She is a spry 95. They have been married 36 years.
He is the father of two daughters one Mrs. Harry [Coza] Rapp died last year and the other Mrs. Ray [June] Leininger lives in New Orleans, La. and will be up next year for a visit.
Wilson has three grandsons, Marion Rapp of Bellefontaine, Wellington of Route 5, Kenton and Wilbur of Titusville, Fla., also a granddaughter Mrs. Herbert [Woneta Rapp] LeVally of Ridgeway. There are two deceased grandchildren.
He also has 17 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.
Frank gave up farming 14 years ago and two years ago stopped driving. He notes that his driver's license is expiring. He can't wait until the weather warms up so he can get out and walk around on the ground.
Source: Gardner, Thad; Kenton Times; March, 1970.
