Ray Wilson
One of the most enterprising farmers of Fayette county, Ohio, is he whose name forms the caption of this review. While still a young man, he has succeeded in a manner which might well be gratifying to a man twice his age. He is thoroughly up to date in all phases of agriculture, employing in his business only the most modern methods as approved by science and good usage. His farm, containing two hundred and five acres of as fine land as the county boasts, is located on the Columbus pike, about two and one-half miles from Washington C. H. Mr. Wilson has recently constructed a comfortable and attractive residence on this farm and all farm buildings are both neat and well adapted to their various purposes.
Ray Wilson was born on April 10, 1887, on a farm located about six miles south of Washington C. H., being a son of H. W. and Emma J. (Cline) Wilson, the former being a native of this county also, and almost his entire life has been passed within its borders. He has long been one of the most prominent farmers of this section. Several years ago he decided to seek the favor of Dame Fortune in the western part of the country, but after a short sojourn there, he returned to his native state and has since here remained. He is the father of five children, those other than the subject being Ethel, Verne and Dale, remaining at home with the parents, and Glenn.
The subject received his elementary education at the Greenville Pike school and also on the Circleville pike, east of Washington C. H., finishing later in Marion township. He also took a commercial course at the Bliss Business College. This liberal education well fitted him for his chosen vocation of farming, in which he engaged on his own account at the age of nineteen. He first rented various tracts of land, which he tilled, being signally successful in his venture. In addition to his home farm, he is now also managing a portion of his father's estate. He makes a speciahy of breeding and selling Shire horses, in which venture he has met with gratifying success.
On January 2. 1913, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Marie Pavey, daughter of Austin and Ellen (Burris) Pavey, residents of Sabina, this state, being prominent farmers in that locality. One child, Robert Pavey, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson October 15, 1914.
Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. Wilson has given his earnest support to the Republican party, although he has never been a seeker after office. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church, while that of Mrs. Wilson is with the Methodist Episcopal church, both giving their most earnest support to these two church organizations. In the public life of the community where he lives, Mr. Wilson takes an intelligent interest, setting for himself a high standard of citizenship. He is a man of strong character and acknowledged ability and because of these elements and his genuine personal worth he enjoys a marked popularity in the locality honored with his residence.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)