John Wilson, present deputy county auditor of Grant county, Indiana, was born in Liberty township, July 3, 1853, and is a son of Cyrus and Pharaba (Overman) Wilson.

        Cyrus Wilson was born in North Carolina and came to Grant county, Indiana, when he was but eighteen years old, in 1838, and located in Fairmount; but in 1840 removed to Liberty township, where he purchased and resided upon a farm the remainder of his days. He was married in Grant county, and to his marriage were born three children, viz.: Ephraim O., a biographical writer; John, whose name opens this sketch; and Rhoda, deceased. Cyrus Wilson was well educated in his youth, taught school in his younger days, made his mark, and was very prominent locally. He was well to do as a farmer, and at the time of his death, in 1864, was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and in politics was a Republican. His widow survived him until December 23, 1893, when she was also called away, in the faith of the Society of Friends.

        John Wilson, the subject proper of this sketch, attended the common schools of his county until sixteen years of age, and when seventeen years old went to Amboy, Miami county, where he was employed in general merchandising until 1882. He then came to Marion, in April of that year, and July 10, 1882, was appointed deputy auditor under Joseph W. Stout, and served under him in this capacity until November, 1882. Stout's term then expired, and John Wilson was appointed by the auditor elect, John M. Turner, as his deputy, and served until November, 1887; then under John W. Miles until November, 1891; then under George A. Osborn until November, 1895, when he was himself elected county auditor on the Republican ticket without opposition, the poll numbering two thousand six hundred and eighty-five votes. He filled the office of auditor until November, 1899, when he was succeeded in the position by George A. Modlin, by whom he was restored to his old position of deputy--an office he still holds, and for which has his long experience peculiarly qualifies him. Mr. Wilson has previously held a minor office or two under Republican auspices, having been postmaster at Amboy for four years, and a justice of the peace two years.

        John Wilson was joined in matrimony, in Marion, December 4, 1875, with Rachael Hollingsworth, who was born in Wisconsin in September, 1856, and is a daughter of Eli and Hulday (Jones) Hollingsworth. To Mr. Wilson and wife have been born three children, viz.: Maud, Wilmer, and Fred--all still under the parental roof. The family attend the Baptist church.

        Mr. Wilson has always held to Republicanism in politics, and in the campaign of 1892 was secretary and treasurer of the Republican county central committee. He owns a one-hundred-acre farm in Franklin township, which he hires cultivated, and which lies but six miles from Marion, and is well improved in all respects. His city residence is on West Fourth street.