Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

CAPTAIN ISAAC WILSON

Isaac Wilson was born in Delaware County, N. Y., in April, 1827, and was one of nineteen children so when just a young lad he had to shift for himself and he came to the forests of Michigan and became one of the lumber pioneers of Allegan county.

When the Civil War broke out he was among the first to answer his country's call for volunteers, and his patriotic loyalty and personal favor enabled him to organize in Allegan County the 3rd Company of Michigan Cavalry of which he was made Captain. He proved an efficient officer and a battlefield hero, and with true courage he served to the end of the war.

In 1865 he was married to Virginia Griffin, a sister of W. B. Griffin and in 1867 Captain Wilson became the foreman of Stockbridge and Johnson's mill, also had charge of various lumber camps at Pine Plains. He was a typical lumberman.

Mr. Wilson was bereft of his wife in 1898. They had adopted one little girl at the age of three years, tenderly caring for her and loving her as their own flesh; she grew to womanhood and became the wife of Fred Brown. She died in Grand Rapids and left a daughter and son.

Mr. Wilson lived several years at the Clarence Wade home; (Mrs. Wade being his niece), and for a short time lived at the Soldier's home, but returned to the Wades where he was loved, and where he was interested in the home and farm. He was universally liked, and always a friend to children. He died in 1908.