ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a classic case of Robert Wilson, an immigrant weaver who 'knew nothing of farming', in fact could 'scarcely hitch a horse'. Yet, with the help of his sons he was able to clear land and become a farmer. Wilson and others were deeply involved with the American issues of their time, in Wilson's case he left his first employer, who also happened to be his father-in-law, because he was a slave-owner in Maryland. William W. Wilson was born on the old homestead in Concord Township in 1828 and until he retired and moved to Troy, where he now lives, never lived out of the township. He helped clear the farm and did most of the teaming. Deer and other wild animals abounded during his boyhood and he derived much pleasure in hunting. He and his brother, John, often hunted at night and many times they were chased home by panthers.
