Robert Thomas Wilson

b. 26 January 1857, d. 28 January 1939

Robert Thomas Wilson, 1857-1939

  • Robert Thomas Wilson was born on 26 January 1857 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
  • While Robert was born in Pittsburgh, he was conceived in Scotland, born 5-1/2 months after the arrival of the family in the US.
  • Peter M. Wilson and Margaret Simpson appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Other members of the household included Robert Thomas Wilson, William Simpson Wilson and Peter McIn. Wilson.
  • He and William Simpson Wilson and Peter McIn. Wilson migrated with Peter M. Wilson and Margaret Simpson from Pittsburgh circa 1862 to Buffalo, Erie County, New York.
  • Peter M. Wilson and Margaret Simpson appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1865 in Buffalo, New York. Other members of the household included Robert Thomas Wilson, William Simpson Wilson, Peter McIn. Wilson, Thomas Simpson Wilson and James L. Wilson.
  • Peter M. Wilson and Margaret Simpson, appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Buffalo, New York. Other members of the household included Robert Thomas Wilson, Peter McIn. Wilson, Thomas Simpson Wilson, James L. Wilson, William Simpson Wilson, Jean Craig Wilson and Agnes McIn. Wilson.
  • Peter M. Wilson and Margaret Simpson appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1875 in Buffalo, New York. Other members of the household included Robert Thomas Wilson, William Simpson Wilson, Peter McIn. Wilson, Thomas Simpson Wilson, James L. Wilson, Jean Craig Wilson, Agnes McIn. Wilson, John Simpson Wilson, Christina S. Wilson and Jean Craig. Also in the household was James Simpson (age 23), who origins are as yet unknown.
  • He married Margaret Adams, daughter of Hugh Adams and Barbara Lyall, on 27 November 1878 in Buffalo, New York, with William Alfred Gay, Gospel Minister, officiating. The marriage was witnessed by Peter M. Wilson and Margaret Simpson.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Margaret Adams appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 585 Main Street. Other members of the household included Margaret L. Wilson, Barbara Lyall and William A. Harwood. Margaret's young half- brothers Lyall and John were enumerated in the Buffalo Protestant Orphan Asylum, and her sisters Barbara and Anna as servants in the household of Oliver Real.
  • He was working an iron foundry, according to the 1880 census.
  • The following appeared on 6 August 1887 in The Buffalo Evening News: Local Notices. Milk From Healthy Feed. (From the Buffalo Sunday News, July 31, 1887) Peter Wilson's barns, at 715 Richmond avenue, are in the best condition of any visited. He has 53 cows and pastures there in a 40-acre field near the park. The cows were all in pasture. The stable is clean and ventilated with patent roof ventilators. Sewer connections are placed every four feet behind the cows. The stalls are clean and dry. This was the only barn found where brewery or distillery slops, corn starch or sugar meal is not fed. "I wouldn't feed one ounce of the stuff," said Mr. Wilson; my cows get finished middlings and cut hay, and are healthy and clean." The milk here is kept in a patent freezer. There was a big bin of the "finished," which is the trade name of the food, a dry meal one degree better than shorts.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Margaret Adams appeared in the New York state census of 16 February 1892 in Boston, Erie County, New York. Other members of the household included Margaret L. Wilson, Hugh Wilson, Agnes V. Wilson and Peter MacIntosh Wilson. Also in the household was Archie Walker, age 17.
  • He was a farmer, according to the 1892 census.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson became a widower at the 5 May 1900 death of his wife Margaret Adams.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Newfane, Niagara County, New York. Other members of the household included Margaret L. Wilson, Peter MacIntosh Wilson, Hugh Wilson, Agnes V. Wilson, James L. Wilson and Roberta Wilson.
  • He was an unemployed farm hand, according to the 1900 census.
  • He married Alice Maude Philpott, daughter of Charles Philpott, circa 1903.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1905 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 310 Bird Avenue. Other members of the household included Alice Maude Philpott, Hugh Wilson, James L. Wilson, Roberta Wilson, Alice May Staley and Edna Florence Staley. Daughter Agnes was enumerated in the household of her uncle James Wilson in Buffalo.
  • He was a builder, according to the 1905 census.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Alice Maude Philpott appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Royalton Township, Niagara County, New York, at Lewiston Road. Other members of the household included Hugh Wilson, James L. Wilson, Roberta Wilson, Alice May Staley and Edna Florence Staley.
  • He was a farmer, according to the 1910 census.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Alice Maude Philpott appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1915 in Royalton, Niagara County, New York. Other members of the household included Edna Florence Staley.
  • He was a carpenter, according to the 1915 census.
  • The following appeared on 27 October 1917 in the Buffalo Courier: [Died] In Buffalo, October 26, 1917, Margaret Wilson (nee Simpson), wife of the late Peter Wilson, aged 79 years, mother of Robert, Thomas, James and John Wilson, Mrs. J. H. Brauer, Mrs. M. Nichols and the late William, Peter and Jean Craig Wilson. Funeral from the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Brauer, No. 781 Tonawanda street, Sunday, October 28, at 2:30 and from Ontario Presbyterian church at 3 o’clock. Friends are invited. Interment at Forest Lawn.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Alice Maude Philpott appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Royalton, Niagara County, New York, at Hartland-McNall Road. Other members of the household included Alice May Staley and Edna Florence Staley.
  • The following appeared on 8 February 1920 in the Buffalo Courier: (Albion, Feb. 7) The sudden death of John S. Wilson, a local plumber, occurred yesterday at his home, No. 70 West Park street, after only a few hours illness with heart trouble. Mr. Wilson was born in Buffalo about forty-nine years ago, where he resided and was in business until five years ago, when he moved to this village and established an extensive plumbing business at No. 55 East Bank street. He was at his place of business Thursday, but went home ill and lived only a few hours. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Firts Presbyterian church of Albion; Mount Clement lodge No. 364, Knights of Pythias at Buffalo; Albion lodge No. 58, I. O. O. F., and the Dye Hose company of the Albion fire department. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Wilson of this village; three brothers, James and Thomas Wilson of Buffalo, and Robert Wilson of Gasport and two sisters, Mrs. Julius Brauer and Mrs. Alex. Nichols, both of Buffalo.
         The body will be taken to Buffalo Monday, where funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Charles Armbruster of No. 355 Massachusetts avenue.
  • He was employed as a machinist at a radiator works, according to the 1920 census.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson appeared in the 1923 Lockport, New York, City Directory at 247 Lock Street employed by H. R. Corp..
  • Robert Thomas Wilson appeared in the '1924 through 1932 Lockport, New York, City Directory at 247 Lock Street (and Alice M.) employed as a die setter by H. R. Corp. Wilson..
  • In a postcard dated 24 July 1924 to Margaret L. Wilson, Alice Maude Philpott wrote from Los Angeles, California: Dear Maude & Phil, Just having the loveliest time out here and enjoying every minute of my vacation. Was camping by the ocean all last week. Weather just fine. Had a letter from Bob yesterday. I expect to leave for home Aug 3rd. Return trip will take about a week. Loads of love, Alice.
  • The following appeared on 11 September 1924 in the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wilson of Lock street announce the engagement of their daughter, Alice M., to Glen A. Marhoefer of Los Angeles, Cal., the marriage to take place in December.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Alice Maude Philpott appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1925 in Lockport, Niagara County, New York, at 247 Lock Street. Other members of the household included Edna Florence Staley. Also in the household was boarder Bruce Philpott (age 21), likely Alice's nephew.
  • He was employed as a die setter, according to the 1925 census.
  • The following appeared on 11 July 1925 in the Buffalo Evening News: [Died] Suddenly in Buffalo, July 9, 1925, Christine Nichols (nee Wilson), wife of Isaac M., daughter of the late Peter and Margaret Wilson, sister of Robert and Thomas Wilson and Mrs. J. H. Brauer. Funeral from the late residence, 40 Elmview place, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend. Deceased was a member of Colfax Rebecca lodge No. 96, under whose auspices the services will be held at the grave.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson and Alice Maude Philpott appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in Lockport, New York, at 247 Lock Street. Other members of the household included Edna Florence Staley.
  • He was employed as a press hand at a radiator plant, according to the 1930 census.
  • Robert Wilson was photographed about 1931 with his wife Alice and part of his large family, likely by son-in-law Phil Everett.
    Robert Thomas Wilson with part of his large family, about 1931
  • He and Alice Maude Philpott relocated to Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, in June 1932 joining Alice's daughter Mamie Marhoefer.
  • In a postcard dated 15 June 1932 to Carolyn Margaret Wilson, Alice Maude Philpott wrote from Arcade Station, Los Angeles, California: Dear Caroline: Just a line to let you know we arrived here all O.K. last Thursday noon. Grandpa stood the long trip pretty well but of course was very tired. We both like it here so much. We have a nice little furnished cottage all to ourselves about four blocks from Mamie's home. Will write more next time. Drop us a letter dear, address 202 East 116th Place, Los Angeles. Grandma & Grandpa, Love XXX.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson appeared in the 1933 Lockport, New York, City Directory at 247 Lock Street (Alice M.).
  • Robert Thomas Wilson appeared in the 1934 Lockport, New York, City Directory "Wilson, Robert T (Alice M) moved to Ca.".
  • The following appeared on 8 June 1937 in the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal: (Gasport) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wilson of Los Angeles, Calif., who are spending the Summer with their daughter Miss Edna Wilson of Lockport, have been calling on friends here. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are former residents of Gasport.
  • Robert Wilson's five children and his only living sibling gathered in Lockport when he and Alice visited from California during the summer of 1937.
  • At the time of his death Robert Thomas Wilson was living in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, at 139 West 116th Place.
  • Robert Thomas Wilson died on 28 January 1939 at age 82 in Los Angeles, California.
  • Alice Maude Philpott became a widow at his death.
  • He was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California.
  • Last Edited: 23 Jan 2017

Family 1: Margaret Adams b. 21 July 1855, d. 5 May 1900

Family 2: Alice Maude Philpott b. circa 16 September 1875, d. 1 May 1957