WI BIO - Kenosha Co - WILSON, Robert A. 

History of Kenosha and Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Lyman. Chicago: Clarke 
Pub., 1916, vol II, pp 380-383 (Portrait p 381)

Robert A. WILSON deserves much credit for his contribution to Kenosha's 
upbuilding and improvement. When he turned his attention to the contracting 
business in 1893, the west side of the city, known as Snakeville, was little 
more than a swamp. He began buying lots and exploiting the interests and 
advantages of the west side, and today one of the attractive and substantial 
business and residence districts of the city is a monument to his enterprise, 
business ability and public spirit. He is one of the foremost real estate 
men not only of Kenosha, but of this part of the State, and the most envious 
cannot grudge him his success, so worthily has it been won.

Mr. [Robert A.] WILSON was born 25 December 1866 in New Brunswick, Gloucester 
County, Canada, his parents being Andrew and Phoebe (CHASON) WILSON. The 
mother was of French descent, her ancestors, however, having settled in New 
Brunswick more than three hundred years ago. The paternal grandfather, 
Andrew WILSON, came from Aberdeen, Scotland to the new world just after his 
marriage. His [Andrew WILSON's] son and namesake, Andrew WILSON, Jr., became 
a sailor and was captain of ocean going ships for a quarter of a century.

Robert A. WILSON grew up with his father and sailed on the seas through the 
period of his boyhood and youth. He came to Kenosha in 1886, and afterward 
sailed upon the [Great] Lakes for nine years, becoming first mate of the 
vessel "Gilbert Kupp." He had been a resident of Kenosha only a few months 
when he was joined by his parents, who spent their remaining days here. For 
seven years after coming to Kenosha, Robert A. WILSON continued to sail on 
the lakes and then turned his attention to other pursuits, in 1893 beginning 
work as a carpenter and contractor. His attention was attracted to the 
western part of the city. In 1890 his parents had removed to the corner of 
Grover and Pomeroy streets [renamed 23rd Avenue and 61st Street about 1926], 
and in 1893 Robert A. WILSON established his home at No. 852 Dayton street 
[renamed 62nd Avenue], which places were on the west side of the town, then 
known as Snakeville, being little more than a swamp.

Mr. [Robert A.] WILSON, however, believed that there was excellent 
opportunity for the development of this section and began buying lots and 
exploiting his property. In 1904 he erected a business block two stories in 
height, forty-five by fifty feet, at No. 500 Howland Avenue [renamed 22nd 
Avenue]. This stands on a lot 109 and a half feet, 152 and a half feet 
on Elizabeth Street [renamed 63rd Street] with 188 feet on Salem avenue 
[renamed Roosevelt Road], being a triangle block. In 1905 he built another 
large building so as to cover the whole triangle lot. The entire building is 
two stories in height and contains four stores. Mr. WILSON also owns the 
property at the southeast corner of Howland Avenue [22nd Avenue] and 
Elizabeth Street [63rd Street], which will soon be improved. In addition to 
handling city property he buys and sells farms, owning several, and he is 
likewise a large dealer in other real estate. His efforts [p 383] have been 
the most potent element in the development of the part of the city in which 
he has operated and not only have promoted his success, but have greatly 
enhanced property values throughout that section of the city.

On 06 September 1893 Mr. [Robert A.] WILSON was married to Miss Minnie 
McDONALD, a daughter of John A. and Mary (RILEY) McDONALD, the latter [Mary 
(RILEY) McDONALD] a daughter of James RILEY, who was owner of the first boot 
shop at Kenosha. Mr. [John A.] McDONALD was a detective, was born in 
Brighton Township, Kenosha County, and his father was one of the early 
settlers of this part of the State, having arrived here from New York. He 
[John A. McDONALD] afterward returned to the New York, and later became a 
resident of Chicago [Cook County, Illinois], where he served with distinction 
in connection with detective work and on the police force. He [John A. 
McDONALD] was the son of James McDONALD, who was born in New York, but became 
one of the early residents of Kenosha [called Southport until 07 February 
1850], where he lived until he returned to New York, where he [James 
McDONALD] passed away 09 February 1869.

Mr. and Mrs. WILSON [Robert A. and Minnie (McDONALD) WILSON] have one son, 
Chester Robert, who was born 26 July 1898, and is now a sophomore in the 
Kenosha High School. The family are members of St. Thomas Catholic church. 
Mr. WILSON does not adhere to any political party but maintains an 
independent attitude and as opportunity offers indorses those plans and 
measures which he believes will prove of greatest value in the upbuilding of 
the city and the promotion of its municipal interests. He is a wide-awake, 
alert and energetic business man, whose determination enables him to overcome 
difficulties and obstacles. His business methods will bear close 
investigation and scrutiny, his advancement being due to his marked 
enterprise, his keen discrimination and his sound judgment. 

Submitted by Cathy Kubly