Martin Golden Wilson, than whom there is no citizen better and more favorably known in Daviess County, is a native son of Kentucky. He was born in Bath County July 29, 1847, a son of James and Polly Ann (Golden) Wilson, both of whom were born in Virginia, but were married in Kentucky. Mr. Wilson's paternal grandfather, Uriah Wilson, was a pioneer settler in Bath County, Kentucky, but after living a few years in that county he removed to Owen County, and there continued to reside until his death. In his day he took a prominent part in the Indian warfare, for the Indians were so savage that when he first came to Kentucky he and his family had to live in the fort at Lexington for a time. The Wilsons have been noted for their longevity, but Mr. Wilson's father, who was a strong southern sympathizer, ardently espousing the cause of the Confederacy, was killed in 1861, when he was but forty-two years of age, on account of his outspoken views with reference to the war. His wife died in 1862. They had three sons, Martin Golden, William Henry and James Uriah, and one daughter, Rachel F. Wilson. The mother of these children was the father's second wife. By his first marriage he was the father of two daughters. By occupation he was a farmer, and resided in Owen County.

It was in Owen County that Martin G. Wilson was reared, and there he lived until he was thirty years of age, working as a farm hand. He also worked as such in Indiana and Missouri, sometimes not receiving more than $1o a month and his board. On March 10, 1878, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Mullen Fightmaster, the ceremony being performed in Scott County, Kentucky. They were very poor and in debt to the amount of $600. Realizing that if they were to make good in life it would be best to strike out, and this brave young couple left Scott County on March 28, 1878, and eighteen days after they were married they reached a log cabin in the woods in Daviess County which stood on a farm now owned by Mr. Wilson. This cabin still stands, and Mr. Wilson intends that it be preserved as long as any of its timbers hold together, as a memorial of the early days of struggle and accomplishment. When they came here Mr. Wilson had a three year lease on 120 acres of land, of which only twenty-five acres had been cleared. Two years later, he bought this tract of land. He toiled unceasingly, only stopping long enough to secure a modicum of sleep, food and to keep the Sabbath, and gradually cleared the land of the dense forest. In those days the only method for draining the land was with ditches, and he dug the necessary ones, later putting in tiling, and placed it in a high state of cultivation. Not only did he improve his original farm, but other land which he later purchased, as his means permitted, until his homestead now includes 320 acres, which is in as fine an agricultural district as Kentucky affords. He has truly been a developer of farm lands for in addition to his home farm he owns so much land as to be entitled to a place among the most extensive farmers of the county. This land has all been cleared and developed by him, and it is estimated that he has cleared more acres than any other one man in Daviess County. Beginning his career here, a poor man and in debt, the outlook would have discouraged most men, but when he and his faithful wife settled in that lonely little cabin in the woods the conviction came to him, "here we will live and die, and succeed we must." As he prospered he paid his debts and then began to invest in more land. When reverses came, as they did, he rallied with all the more vigor, and his life career plainly proves what a young man may accomplish, no matter how poor he may be, if he will but do and dare. In addition to farming Mr. Wilson has bought and sold thousands of head of livestock, and has specialized in handling cattle, in this branch of business

forming a wide circle of acquaintances in Daviess and adjoining counties. The log cabin was his home for many years, but later on he built a handsome frame residence that was burned in 1913. It was at once replaced by a modern brick structure. After forty- two years of happy wedded life Mrs. Wilson was called by death from her husband's side, in 1920. In early" life they both joined the Baptist Church, but later united with the Cumberland Presbyterians. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of the following children : Orlie Daniel, Robert Lee, James Russell. Grover Cleveland and George William.

George William Wilson is a veteran of the great war, having entered the service of his country, and been stationed at the Great Lakes Training School, hut was not sent overseas, the signing of the armistice coming before the expiration of his period of training. Although not permitted to get into action, his service is none the less meritorious, for he offered himself at the time he went in defense of his government, and had the occasion demanded would have rendered good account of himself and his section of the country.