DR. WILLIAM B. WILSON was born near Appleton, January 12, 1831, his family having been residents of Cape Girardeau county since 1808.  Dr. Wilson was educated in private schools and i the medical school of the University of New York, from which he graduated in 1852.  After his graduation he began the practice of medicine in Cape Girardeau and continued it until his death in October, 1900.  He was a very prominent citizen of Cape Girardeau and was well knwon especially for his connection with the Masonic order, in which he held high rank.  He was regarded as a very upright and able man and while never engaging in politics, held a number of positions, having been a member of the board of regents of the State Normal School.
--Source:  History of Southeast Missouri, by Robert Sidney Douglass, c1912 by Lewis Publishing Co., New York & Chicago, p550.