William Ralph Wilson

This blog post is another in a series connecting the dots in my tree to the souls buried at Bairdstown Cemetery in Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

William Ralph Wilson, son of Thomas Brown Wilson and Martha Williams, was born in Greene County, Georgia on January 10, 1834. He was one of at least eight children: William Ralph, Joseph, James, Jack L., Pleasant, Eliza, Virginia “Ellen,” and Sarah Wilson. Though not a direct ancestor, William’s connection is complex—he is the father-in-law of the sister-in-law of the first cousin of the husband of my great-grandmother, Alice Beman Lankford. My link runs through Alice’s husband, Robert Dawson Callaway, and winds through the Mullins, Stephens, and Wilson families. Robert was not my great-grandfather, so I share no common ancestor with William.

On October 24, 1850, William lived with his family in District 163 of Greene County. His father, Thomas, was a prosperous farmer with real estate valued at $6,000. Of the seven children at home, William was the only one listed as a student, though the enumerator noted that Joseph, James, Pleasant, and Eliza had attended school within the year. The household also included six non-family adults—among them a peddler, mechanic, merchant, teacher, farmer, and clerk—suggesting the Wilson home may have operated as a boarding house.

In 1855, William married Mary Frances Edmondson, daughter of William Edmondson and Matilda (Penn) Rainey, in Putnam County, Georgia. Minister William E. Adams officiated the ceremony on June 14. The couple had five children: Anna “Belle,” Thomas B., James H., Julia Ellen, and William Robert Wilson. 

In January 1858, William was serving as Justice of the Peace in Greene County when he was asked to certify a case record for appeal. That same year, he was sued by Augustus B. Sharp over an unpaid promissory note for $1,400. William denied the debt in court but later admitted partial responsibility and agreed to pay $693 in principal and $36.07 in interest. Also in 1858, John Edmondson—likely William’s brother-in-law—filed a separate debt suit against him over a $206.80 note. William countered with a claim that Edmondson owed him $298.45 for boarding, horse care, nursing, and estate management for Matilda Edmondson, William’s mother-in-law. He also cited an 1836 note for $27.26. Edmondson’s attorney later amended the damages to $2,000. A jury ruled in Edmondson’s favor, but William appealed the decision on September 14, 1858, posting bond with his father. The case continued into the March Term of 1859, when the court reversed the verdict and awarded William $176.20 plus interest.

In April 1858, William sold a 120-acre tract of land to his father for $1,475, pledging to defend the title against future claims. That same year, he submitted a sworn account to the Greene County Court of Ordinary for teaching children from the Brook, Lunsford, Thaxton, and Wilson families. He documented 2,844 days of instruction totaling $219.30, affirming that his rates matched those charged to other patrons. A second invoice dated November 6, 1860 shows he taught children from the Reynolds and Pollard families and was paid $163.60 on January 12, 1861.

By June 9, 1860, William and Mary had moved their young family to Woodville, Greene County. Their children—Anabel, Thomas B., and a newborn enumerated as Babe—were listed in the census, and William was working as a teacher with a personal estate valued at $6,000. Perry McCutchen, a 25-year-old overseer, also lived in the household.

Two weeks after the Civil War began, William enlisted on April 24, 1861, at Penfield, Greene County, as a 2nd Sergeant in Company C of the Third Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment—known locally as the Dawson Grays. He mustered into service at Augusta on May 3 under Capt. R. G. Cole but was discharged in October 1861 after furnishing a substitute.

Partial muster roll of the Dawson Grays

Following his discharge, William remained active in local defense. He next enlisted in Greene County’s 16th Regiment Georgia Militia, appearing on the March 4, 1862 muster roll as an Adjutant. My 2nd great-grandfather, Thomas P. Janes, appears on the same muster roll, as an assistant surgeon.

Partial muster roll of the 16th Regiment, Greene County, State Militia

Between these enlistments, William formed a business partnership with John S. Bowling on December 25, 1861, establishing the Woodville Steam Mills—a sawmill and gristmill operation. William purchased a half interest and was designated the active business and contracting partner, overseeing finances, records, and outdoor operations. Bowling managed the machinery. Both partners agreed to equal contributions and compensation of $2 per day, operating under the name Wilson & Co.

On May 18, 1862, William wrote from Woodville to Henry C. Wayne, formally requesting exemption from the newly passed Confederate Conscription Act. He cited Governor Joseph E. Brown’s proclamation defending Georgia militia officers from federal conscription and outlined his qualifications: six years as Justice of the Peace for the 138th District, elected twice and commissioned by the Inferior Court, and his commission as Adjutant of the 16th Regiment Georgia Militia, dated March 5, 1863.

The Conscription Act, passed in April 1862, was the first draft law in U.S. history. Though it allowed exemptions, it sparked controversy—especially in Georgia, where Governor Brown opposed it, arguing it infringed on states’ rights and sought to shield Georgia militia officers from federal control.

In October 1863, William was appointed 2nd Lieutenant of the “Line Guards,” part of Georgia’s six-month troops raised for local defense under Governor Brown. These units, known as State Guards or “Joe Brown’s Pets,” served only within Georgia, primarily north of the Columbus–Macon–Augusta rail line. William accepted the appointment and signed an oath of office before a Justice of the Peace.

He remained in service until the war’s end, discharged from the state militia in April 1865 at the time of Robert E. Lee’s surrender. William was home on furlough in Macon, Georgia when the war ended.

During the summer of 1866, William spent considerable time in Greene County courts. In one case, he appeared as garnishee in a civil suit: William H. Pritchett vs. Joseph P. Wilson—likely his brother. As garnishee, William was required to disclose any property or financial assets he held on Joseph’s behalf. He submitted a detailed list of promissory notes and debts owed to Joseph, some involving individuals in my family tree, including W. A. Lankford and Minor S. Hobbs. The court ordered him to turn over the notes to the sheriff, placing them under court control.

That same term, William served as a juror in cases targeting newly freed Black citizens under the Black Codes. Charges included stealing, vagrancy, and simple larceny—one man was accused of stealing $4.25. Vagrancy charges often meant being poor, unemployed, and deemed “immoral,” despite being capable of work. These laws criminalized poverty and targeted Black individuals rebuilding their lives after emancipation. As a juror, William helped enforce these laws, and some of the accused were sentenced to chain gangs.

A long-standing case from 1847 was resolved in December 1867. William, his father Thomas, and brother Jack were sued by W. H. Pritchett for failing to pay a promissory note dated December 12, 1840, for $110.55. The note was payable to Thomas P. Janes and James R. Sanders, executors of Absalom Janes’ estate, for the benefit of his minor heirs—Thomas P. and Absalom Janes are my direct ancestors. The court ruled in favor of Pritchett, awarding the principal, interest, and costs.

Postwar economic collapse hit the Wilsons hard. In May 1868, William was appointed assignee in three bankruptcy cases involving his father Thomas and brother Jack, both individually and as partners in Wilson & Son of Bairdstown. As assignee, William managed debts, protected assets, and oversaw their legal distribution. He also handled family property transfers, including a 450-acre tract near Bairdstown sold to his brother Thomas B. Wilson Jr. for $2,600 in 1869—keeping the land in the family.

In 1868–1869, William served as court-appointed commissioner to partition land from the estate of John Armstrong among heirs and guardians. He surveyed and divided the property into three tracts, signed the final report, and submitted it to Superior Court.

In 1869, William lost a debt case to Brightwell & Durham over a $360 note signed in 1867. The court awarded the plaintiffs over $400 in principal, interest, and costs. That same year, he was elected Justice of the Peace for the 137th District of Greene County.

In December 1869, William filed a petition as next friend of Ella Wilson, wife of James Wilson, seeking a homestead exemption under the Georgia Constitution and Homestead Act of 1868. The petition aimed to exempt $283.50 in personal property—specifically 729 railroad ties delivered to the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company—from levy and sale for the benefit of Ella and her child, Shelbie Wilson. The exemption was approved on December 10, 1870. I’ve yet to confirm whether James and Ella were relatives.

In 1870, William purchased Elizabeth Moody’s life estate—a 79-acre tract on Little River—giving him future rights while allowing her continued residence and use during her lifetime.

By June 15, 1870, William had moved his family to Penfield, Greene County, just over four miles from Woodville. His personal estate had plummeted from $6,000 to $880. He had left teaching and turned to farming, likely seeking stability in the postwar economy. He would continue farming until 1900. Mary managed the household, and their son Thomas, age 10, was attending school.

It’s always fascinating to find familiar names when researching someone. Curtis C. Lankford, my 4th great-uncle and brother to my 3rd great-grandfather James Meriweather Lankford, lived just five houses away from William.

William’s property included 150 acres of improved land, 75 acres of woodland, and 75 acres of unimproved land, valued at $1,500. His farm machinery was worth $100, and he had paid $900 in wages, including board. His livestock—valued at $650—included 2 horses, 2 mules, 4 milch cows, 10 other cattle, and 15 swine. The farm produced 50 bushels of winter wheat, 175 bushels of Indian corn, 18 bales of cotton, and 100 pounds of butter. He also sold or slaughtered animals worth $100, with total farm production valued at $2,150.

In February 1873, William was appointed administrator of the estate of Henry H. Durham, who had died intestate in Greene County. The estate was valued at roughly $750 in real and personal property. William completed his duties and applied for Letters of Dismission in May 1875.

Later that year, William’s father, Thomas, passed away on August 18. William petitioned the court on August 26 to be named temporary administrator, citing the urgency of protecting the estate from loss during the delay required to advertise for permanent Letters. Two days later, he requested permanent administration, which was granted. He posted bond with Enoch Cheney, John Armstrong, and James Davison as securities.

On September 5, acting as temporary administrator, William petitioned to sell his father’s interest in Wilson & Co. of Bairdstown and certain perishable goods. The court approved the sale the same day, with public notice required in towns like Greensboro, Penfield, Union Point, Woodville, and Bairdstown. In November, he sought permission to sell the family’s 550-acre homestead, which was also granted.

The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, October 16, 1873

On May 1, 1875, a tornado tore through Oglethorpe and Greene Counties, striking William’s property in Bairdstown. His gin and outhouses were destroyed. He placed his family in the cellar for safety while his eldest daughter, Belle, held the front door against the wind until William helped secure it. Several people were killed, many injured, and six homes destroyed.

That summer, William was selected as a commissioner to help resolve a long-standing boundary dispute between Greene and Oglethorpe Counties. Working with the county surveyor, he helped mark the new line using local landmarks—including his own garden in Bairdstown. The updated boundary helped clear up confusion for families whose homes and farms had been caught between the two counties. 

In February 1876, a 200-acre tract of William’s land was seized by Sheriff J. H. English to satisfy a court judgment. The case, brought by Dozier, Walton & Co., named Baker Daniel as the principal debtor and Wilson & Co. as endorsers, making William liable.

In July, William submitted a detailed inventory of his father’s estate, listing dozens of outstanding debts—some less than a dollar, others over $300. Many were uncollectible, prompting him to request court permission to settle by compromise or sell at auction.

In August 1876, a citizen near Penfield wrote to The Greensboro Herald endorsing William as a candidate for the Georgia Legislature. Though he never sought office, the letter praised his moral character, long service as clerk of Bairds Baptist Church, and ability to connect with all citizens—including the local Black community.

In September, William sold a 50-foot-square parcel in Woodville to W. P. McWhorter for $25. The land had belonged to the estate of John A. Miller and was sold under court order. While no record names William executor, the transaction suggests he may have held that role.

In November, William and his brother Jack were sued by E. J. Dozier, executor of Mary Gibson’s estate, for a debt of approximately $5,500 plus interest and costs—another blow to Wilson & Co.

On July 12, 1877, Anna Belle Wilson married William H. Young in Greene County. That summer, William filed for bankruptcy. In August, Hugh G. Lewis was appointed assignee of his estate.

In January 1878, William became guardian of Annie (Armstrong) Wilson, daughter of the late James Armstrong and wife of his son Thomas. Though married, Annie was under 21 and required a guardian to manage her inheritance. James R. Sanders, her previous guardian, petitioned the court to be relieved due to poor health and recommended William. The court approved, and William posted a $2,500 bond.

In July 1878, the District Court advertised for objections to William’s bankruptcy discharge. In August, he was declared bankrupt. His land was set apart as an exemption under the Bankruptcy Act of 1867. Though discharged from personal liability, the lien on his property remained. He retained ownership and later sold the land—first to R. L. Moss & Co., then to the Hodson Brothers.

The following month, five years after his father’s death, William petitioned for dismission from his role as administrator of the estate. The court found no objections and released him from further responsibility.

In 1879, William purchased one-fifth shares from four of Elizabeth Moody’s children—James A., Little Berry, Mary Ann, and Sarah E.—who had inherited portions of the property he had originally acquired through her life estate in 1870.

In March 1879, William was appointed guardian ad litem for the minor children of Ann A. Whitlow, beneficiaries of a trust estate in Greene County. Their father had fled the state under criminal indictment, and the petition sought to sell a small parcel of land—just over an acre—at private sale to support the children. William confirmed the petition’s facts and accepted the guardianship.

In February 1880, he was named one of five appraisers for the unrepresented estate of James Brook, valued at less than $500. His role was to help assess the estate and ensure it was set aside for Brook’s widow if it fell below the legal threshold.

On March 3, 1881, Jasper Kennebrew sold a four-acre parcel in Bairdstown to Mrs. Irene Landrum, reserving rights for William to erect a depot and wagon roads near the railroad crossing. As a merchant, William likely had strategic interest in the land and needed access to the railroad.

Later that year, in October, William and his brother Jack acted as “next friends” to Charles and Hortense Young in a land transaction, signing a deed to transfer the H. C. Ware Lot to Maria Allen. The land had passed through William Edmondson—likely William’s father-in-law—and Thomas Wilson, William’s father, so it was familiar territory.

In May 1883, William appeared in Greene County court records as a witness to the will of William Callahan. Alongside Thomas Callahan and W. H. Cheney, he attested that Callahan signed freely and was of sound mind. His testimony helped secure Letters Testamentary for Frances C. Callahan, the executrix.

In March 1889, William successfully challenged a sheriff’s attempt to seize his property over an old debt. He argued the seizure was illegal due to his 1878 bankruptcy discharge and homestead exemption. At the time, he was head of household with a wife and five children. The court upheld most of his affidavit, recognizing the assets as protected under federal and state law.

On June 2, 1880, the Wilson family lived in the 138th district—likely Woodville. William and Mary had three children at home: James (19), Julia (17), and William (10), all attending school. Three Black servants also lived in the home: Lucilla (20), a cook; Thomas (13), a laborer; and Michael (11). None could read or write. William worked the farm while Mary managed the household.

The 1880 Agricultural Schedule is difficult to read, but several details emerge. William rented part of his 65 acres of tilled land to tenement farmers—a common post-Reconstruction practice. His property included 30 acres of meadows, pastures, orchards, and vineyards, plus 230 acres of unimproved land, all valued at $4,000. His farm machinery was worth $25, and he spent $30 repairing fences in 1879. No wages were reported that year.

His livestock, valued at $150, included 1 milch cow, 1 other head of cattle, 1 dropped calf, 1 calf sold alive, and 40 swine. Two animals were listed as dead, strayed, or stolen. The farm produced 30 pounds of butter, 80–90 bushels of Indian corn from 16 acres, 1–2 bales of cotton from 22 acres, and 15 bushels of sweet potatoes from 1 acre.

On March 10, 1881, Julia Wilson married George “Howard” Irby in Greene County. The ceremony was performed by H. D. D. Straton, M.G.

William had been appointed guardian of his daughter-in-law Annie (Armstrong) Wilson in 1878. By 1882, he had fulfilled his duties, settled her estate, and applied for Letters of Dismission. The court approved and formally discharged him.

In June 1884, William was appointed as one of three representatives from Greene County to assist in gathering and organizing agricultural and industrial exhibits for the 1884–85 World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition in New Orleans. The exhibits included local crops, preserved fruits, handmade goods, and other products that reflected the region’s economic and cultural vitality. William’s selection underscored his reputation as a respected community leader and his dedication to promoting Greene County’s achievements on a national stage.

That summer, William also resumed a more hands-on business venture. In August 1884, the Oglethorpe Echo reported that he “has put up his still and will commence work this week.” While operating a still was generally illegal without proper licensing, the public nature of the report suggests that William may have obtained the necessary permit—though no documentation has yet been found to confirm this.

In September, William sold a small parcel of land—just over a third of an acre—near the Bairdstown Depot to the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company. The sale included a provision allowing him to construct on the property, provided any development did not interfere with railroad operations. 

On November 20, 1884, William’s son James married Love Armstrong in a ceremony held at her parents’ home near Bairdstown. Following the 6 p.m. wedding, William hosted a dinner reception for the bridal party and guests at his own residence.

In June 1886, William had his Bairdstown home painted.

In February 1888, he was appointed temporary guardian of five-year-old Carrie M. McCall—not to raise her, but to protect her property. Carrie was entitled to receive over $250 from an insurance company, and her parents, George and June McCall, were unable to manage the funds. William petitioned the Greene County Court, was granted guardianship, posted a $500 bond, and swore to manage the estate faithfully.

By 1891, William used land previously exempted through bankruptcy to secure a new debt with R. L. Moss & Co. The property was eventually sold to Hodson Brothers, but William continued living there as a tenant of W. P. McWhorter. Ownership confusion followed. Because the deed to Hodson Brothers wasn’t recorded until 1899, the lien remained enforceable, and William’s possession wasn’t deemed “open and notorious” enough to defeat it.

In February 1894, William lost a lawsuit to Moss over a promissory note. Though he claimed partial repayment with 16 bales of cotton worth $724.09, the court awarded Moss $1,267.20 in principal, $123.56 in interest, and $139.07 in attorney’s fees. Another suit brought by Hodson Brothers resulted in a $1,500 judgment plus interest and fees. William’s financial credibility continued to erode.

By 1895, he was fighting to protect his family’s homestead from creditors. The land, tied to his father and family legacy, was claimed exempt under Georgia’s homestead laws. William, caring for his 59-year-old wife, argued he was too poor to post bond and that the land had already been exempted by federal court. Acting as trustee for his wife, he insisted creditors had no claim and asked the court to dissolve the injunction. He pointed out that his wife—the true beneficiary—hadn’t even been named in the case. The court disagreed, ruling the property remained subject to the original judgment.

Eventually, William and Mary left Greene County, relocating to District 119 in Richmond County. On June 12, 1900, they were living with their daughter Belle, her husband William, sons Joe and Tom, and daughter Annie. Also in the household were Steve Irby, Anna Belle (Wilson) Irby’s son, and three Black servants: Frank Lang (21), Honey Reed (16), and Jude Calwell (10). At age 66, William had apparently retired. His son-in-law worked as a railroad engineer, and grandson Joe was a farm laborer. 

Tragedy struck in August 1900. William’s son James died on the 21st from heart failure, complicated by alcoholism, and was buried at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens. Ten days later, on August 31, Mary passed away and was laid to rest at Bairdstown Cemetery. After her death, William continued to live with Belle, now in Warren County.

In August 1906, aged 72, William applied for an Indigent Pension. Unemployed and suffering from kidney trouble, he declared no property or income since at least 1894. His daughter had supported him in 1897 and 1898 at $75 per year. E. A. Brinkley, a friend of 50 years, attested to his character and military service. Two Warren County physicians confirmed his condition, noting swelling in his lower limbs that prevented him from working. His application was approved for 1907.

On April 26, 1910, William—widowed and retired—was living with Belle, her husband William, and grandson Robert in Stag Hall, Warren County. Robert, who rented the home, supported the family as a train engineer. Belle had given birth to five children, with three living. Everyone in the household could read and write.

William passed away in Georgia on July 16, 1911. He was buried at Bairdstown Cemetery, the same place his wife had been laid to rest.

It’s fascinating that despite William’s deep entanglement with the court system—serving as administrator, guardian, juror, commissioner, and litigant—no will has been found. By the time he died, he had lost his home, declared himself indigent, and had nothing left to distribute. Perhaps, in the end, there was simply no need.

 

References

• Assignee’s Notice, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, September 6, 1877.
• Assignee’s Notice, The National Republican, Augusta, Georgia, May 13, 1868.
• Bairdstown, Georgia Home Journal, Greensboro, Georgia, June 25, 1886.
• Bairdstown, The Oglethorpe Echo, Crawford, Georgia, August 15, 1884.
• Confederate Conscription Act, April 1862, National Archives, Background on Governor Brown’s opposition: Georgia Encyclopedia.
• Election for Justice Peace, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, April 8, 1869.
• Estate Records: Greene County, Georgia, Probate Estate Case Files 1790–1943, image 687, FamilySearch.
• Facing History and Ourselves, History of Slave Patrols, Black Codes, and Vagrancy Laws, Facing History; www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/history-slave-patrols-black-codes-vagrancy-laws. Accessed August 11, 2025.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75575771/james_h-wilson: accessed August 7, 2025), memorial page for James H. Wilson (4 Jun 1860–21 Aug 1900), Find a Grave Memorial ID 75575771, citing Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens, Clarke County, Georgia, USA; maintained by: Find a Grave.
• First Families of Henry County, Georgia, compiled by the Genealogical Society of Henry and Clayton Counties, edited by Joseph Henry Hightower Moore, 1993.
• Greene County Sheriff’s Sale, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, February 10, 1876.
• Greene County, Georgia Special Proceedings Records 1856–1858, images 322–323, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Court Minutes 1856–1868, image 158, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Court Minutes 1866–1871, images 37–41, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Court Minutes 1874–1879, image 301, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Court Records 1886–1892, image 247, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Court Records 1892–1897, images 117–118, 204, and 233–235, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Court Records 1897–1907, images 188–194, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Deed Books 1852–1857, 1857–1862, images 355, and 540–541, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1862–1871, images 216–217 and 333, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1871–1876, 1876–1882, images 59, 498, 646, and 662, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Deeds 1882–1885, image 275, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Homestead Records 1888–1935, 1868–1899, image 100, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Miscellaneous Records 1866–1871, 1870–1873, image 162, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Probate Records 1852–1879, images 364, 432, and 459, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Probate Records 1879–1893, images 43, 145, 196, and 441, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Real Estate Records 1869–1874, images 181, 209, 212, 217, and 223, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, School Records 1790–1943, Probate Estate Case Files 1790–1943, image 871, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1856–1858, image 323, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1856–1860, images 94 and 224–225, FamilySearch.
• Greene County, Georgia, Special Proceedings Records 1860–1866, 1866–1870, images 569 and 608, FamilySearch.
• Increase in Clarke County, The Savannah Morning News, Savannah, Georgia, August 22, 1900.
• Marriages, Georgia Home Journal, Greensboro, Georgia, November 21, 1884.
• Old County Line, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, June 17, 1875.
• Personal visit to Bairdstown Cemetery, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
• The Evolution of U.S. Bankruptcy Law: a time line, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Rhode Island, Federal Judicial Center; https://www.rib.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/FJC%20Bankruptcy%20Timeline.pdf. 
• The Great Cyclone: Devastation, Ruin and Woe, The Daily Constitutionalist, Augusta, Georgia, May 4, 1875.
• The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, July 4, 1878, March 11, 1875, April 18, 1878, and April 20, 1882.
• The Legislature, The Greensboro Herald, Greensboro, Georgia, September 1, 1876.
• Tombstones, William R. Wilson and Mary Frances Wilson, Bairdstown Cemetery, Bairdstown, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 138, Greene County, Georgia, 1880.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 163, Greene County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Division 66, Oglethorpe County, Georgia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Harrisonville, Richmond County, Georgia, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia, 1870.
• U.S. Federal Census, Stag Hall, Warren County, Georgia, 1910.
• U.S. Federal Census, Woodville, Greene County, Georgia, 1860.
• U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850–1880 (June 1870, June 1880).
• W. R. Wilson, Georgia, U.S., Civil War Correspondence, 1861–1865.
• William R. Wilson Georgia, U.S., Civil War Muster Rolls, 1860–1864.
• William R. Wilson, Georgia, U.S., Confederate Pension Applications, 1879–1960.
• William R. Wilson, Matilda Penn, Matilda Rainey, James H. Wilson, and Anna B. Wilson, Georgia, U.S., Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• William R. Wilson, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861–1865.
• World’s Exposition: Preparations for Farm Exhibits, Georgia Home Journal, Greensboro, Georgia, June 20, 1884.