Wilson, Edward Heath

The following data is extracted from Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.

EDWARD HEATH WILSON, business man of exceptionally high qualities, passed out of this life November 23, 1923, thus breaking the partnership in the firm James & E. H. Wilson, Inc., which had existed since 1902. At the time of his death he was holding the office of vice-president, this position now having been taken over by his nephew, Charles H. Wilson, a biography of whom appears elsewhere.

Mr. Wilson was born in Pittsfield, December 9, 1846, the son of Solomon and Mary Elizabeth (Dunham) Wilson. His father, Solomon Wilson, was superintendent of I- Pomeroys' Sons Company, woolen manufacturers, also of Pittsfield. The education of Edward H. Wilson was obtained in the public and high schools of Pittsfield, in which city he grew to manhood. At the age of eighteen he entered upon his business career by becoming an employee of the Pittsfield Woolen Company, acting in the capacity of clerk and later becoming bookkeeper. This was the mill that in 1904 was purchased by the James & E. H. Wilson Company and which is now being operated as an auxiliary to their original mill at Taconia. Mr. Wilson remained with this firm for about five years, then opportunity of a better position presenting itself, he left Pittsfield and entered the employ of Walter Brown, wool commission merchant of New York City. This was about the year 1869 and from that time until his death he remained a resident of Brooklyn, New York, although at his death his business interests were in Pittsfield. In 1874 he started in business for himself, opening his office at No. 105 Reade Street, New York City, and under the title of Edward H. Wilson, he did business as a wool broker and dealer, continuing in this until 1898. In the year 1902 he formed a partnership with his brother, James Wilson (q. v.) of Pittsfield, and under the name of James & E. H. Wilson they conducted a business of woolen manufactures. In 1917 Charles H. Wilson was admitted a partner, and in 1922 the firm incorporated, Mr. Wilson of this review being then made vice-president, which office he was holding at the time of his demise.

Mr. Wilson was a member of the Clinton Avenue Congregational Church of Brooklyn, and was a Republican in politics.

On June 18, 1901, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Ellen Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Captain Hugh Hamilton and Martha (Harper) Thompson, the ceremony taking place in Brooklyn. There were no children of this marriage.

Source: Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925

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