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Benjamin J. Wilson Papers

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS208

Scope and Content

The papers of Benjamin J. Wilson consist primarily of business records from Alabama and Georgia. The bulk of the collection contains receipts and letters written as part of his business in and around Atlanta in the years 1864 and 1896. There are some personal records and family information with one folder of miscellaneous clippings collected by his wife. Other family members mentioned in these papers include his sons: John B. Wilson (1875-1881), Robert E. Wilson, Will Wilson (d. 1898) Philip D. Wilson; and two daughters Carrie Wilson Tye and Mary Dell Wilson Potts.

Dates

  • 1850-1896

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Administrative/Biographical History

Benjamin J. Wilson was born in Belfast, Ireland on April 15 1823. He immigrated to the United States in 1839, settling first in New York, later Massachusetts where he received training as a machinist. Moving south he moved back and forth from Hancock County, Georgia and Alabama. He finally settled in Okufuske, Randolph County, Alabama. While he lived in Alabama, he acquired property and part ownership in the Okufuske Cotton Manufacturing Co. In 1866 he moved to Atlanta where he invested heavily in property, banking and land in the city and surrounding counties. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge and Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and West End. Although few details are available concerning the family genealogy, Wilson was twice married, to Miss Cheely and Miss Hill. He had six children, four sons: John B. Wilson (1875-1881), Robert E. Wilson (d. 1920), Will Wilson (d. 1898) Philip D. Wilson; and two daughters Carrie Wilson Tye (d. 1942) and Mary Dell Wilson Potts. Benjamin J. Wilson died on 15 February 1896 while in Colorado Springs, CO.

Extent

.42 linear ft.

Language

English

System of Arrangement

This collection is arranged by titles supplied by staff

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of John T. Ferguson, 1968 (1968.103)

Related Materials

Related materials of the same acquisition include: Materials: Benjamin J. Wilson Family photographs and map collection, VIS 142.

Description Control

Collection processed in 2007

Title
Benjamin J. Wilson Papers: ahc.MSS 208
Subtitle
An Inventory of His Papers at the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center
Author
Inventory prepared by Helen Matthews
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040