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| pg. 192 G. F. C. Wilson, of the firm of Batson & Wilson, marble dealers, Big Rapids, was born in Sullivan Co., Mo., Aug. 27, 1855. He is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Manley) Wilson. His parents came to Michigan in the year 1861 and settled in Grand Rapids, where they remained till 1866, when the went to Ionia. At this place his father engaged in the marble business. At 15 he went into the shop and there continued under his father's instructions until 18 years of age. The senior Wilson then disposed of his business interests and the son went to work for N. H. Batson in Ionia, Mich., where he operated as a journeyman until the spring of 1879. At that date he came to Big Rapids and opened marble works in company with Wm. Batson. They fixed their business at its present stand Jan. 1, 1883, and their stock includes all varieties of foreign and American marble and granite. One of the special lines of the firm is the granite from South Ryegate, Vt. They have the monopoly of their business in this city and compete with dealers at Grand Rapids, Adrian, Muskegon, Reed City and other places. Their stock is usually worth about $4,000. and they sell about $8,000 value of marble and granite yearly. The finest monuments in the city cemetery make a fair exhibit of the style and character of their work. Mr. Wilson is the local manager of the business interests of the house, Mr. Batson representing the firm on the road. Mr. Wilson was married at Big Rapids, Nov. 2, 1881, to Alice M., daughter of Robert and Nancy Bate. She was born at Hudson, Mich., July 30, 1855. |