PETE WILSON, FARMERSVILLE NEGRO, WAS GROWN
MAN WHEN STARS FELL IN 1833;
Courier
July 28, 1921
CLAIMS TO BE 114
YEARS OLD
The oldest
person in Texas was a visitor in McKinney Tuesday and Wednesday, in the
person of "Uncle Pete" Wilson, colored, formerly of McKinney, but who now
lives at Farmersville. "Uncle Pete" is one hundred and fourteen years old,
according to his own statement. He was busy first day of the picnic meeting
his old white friends, whom he said were little tots when he was considered
an old man. "Uncle Pete" gets about exceptionally well and is enjoying
reasonably good health. Although his color is black, "Uncle Pete" has a host
of friends and acquaintances among the old ex-Confederates.
To Lindsey
(Uncle Pete) Wilson, belongs the distinction it is believed, of being the
oldest living person in the United States Army.
Never
Discharged.
He was born in
Saline county, Missouri, January 3, 1807. He served two years during the
Civil War in the 10th Illinois Infantry. During the battle of Big Creek,
Arkansas, he was wounded and later was separated from the command. He never
rejoined this troops and for that reason he has never been given a discharge
from the army.
"Uncle Pete"
attributes his longevity to hard work, plenty of sleep and the fact that he
"minds his own business." He has lived in Collin county for about fifty
years and is still active. Despite his advanced years he has never worn
glasses and his eyesight is still good. He has used tobacco for more than
100years, he said.
"Keep your mind
free from worry and don't meddle with other folks business" is his advice to
health seekers.
Climbed Pecan
Tree and Fell.
At the age of 32
"Uncle Pete" fell from a pecan tree and was seriously injured, but because
of his rugged constitution he soon recovered and a stiffness of the neck is
now the only reminder of the fall.
"Uncle Pete" was
five years old at the time of the war of 1712, when the United States
administratered the second paddling to the mother country. He was a grown
man 26 years old when the stars fell in 1832. "Uncle Pete" before going to
Farmersville lived for several years in and near McKinney.
Surname Index
Recommended
Citation:
"Pete Wilson,
EARLY SETTLERS OF COLLIN COUNTY." Collin County, Texas History
and Genealogy Webpage by Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc., <http://www.geocities/genfriendsghl>
[Accessed Fri February 13, 2004 ].
