Captain John Wilson

"Lookout Mountain Hero"

Obituaries

"Capt. John Wilson Died May 24th, 1896

The subject of this sketch was born in Estill county, Kentucky, May 14th, 1822 and resided here all of his life. He followed the occupation of farming up to the late rebellion when the country was calling for patriot men. It was then he showed his undaunted courage and love for his family and country and the esteem and confidence of his countrymen by being placed as Captain over 100 of his gallant old associates which position he still held to the close of the war.

Making himself famous throughout the land by being the Hero of Lookout Mountain, placing the stars and stripes there in the face of the enemy which goes down in history as the battle above the clouds. After the war he came home and began his former occupation. He was an efficient, esteemed member of the Methodist church, having belonged since he was 16 years of age.

He was made a Mason Sept. 20, 1961, and was honored by Masons wherever he was known for his loving and kind disposition, zeal for Masonry, and his ever ready and willing hand to assist the needy. Therefore, be it Resolved,

1st. That in the death of Bro. Wilson our O.D. Henderson Lodge No. 437, has lost a wise counselor and a true and faithful member, the county a worthy citizen, the church a consistent member and his family a kind, loving and devoted father.

2nd. That we, as Masons, deploring the untimely death of our dear brother, yet having faith in Him, who he served, hope in a coming day when our silver cord shall be loosed or the golden bowl be broken to meet him in that celestial world where sickness, death and parting are unknown. Faith, hope and charity are jewels he possessed, cherished and practiced.

3rd. A precious one from us has gone, A voice we loved is stilled, A place is vacant in our lodge and home, Which can never be filled. God in his wisdom as recalled, The boon His love had given, And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in Heaven.

4th. That these resolutions be spread at large on the minutes of the lodge, published in the Masonic Home Journal and the Richmond Climax and a copy sent to the family of our deceased brother.

Jonah Wagers, Jeff Scrivner, Geo. W. Frazier, Committee." - The Richmond Climax (Richmond, Kentucky) June 17, 1896 Wed., Transcribed by B Wooley [1]

"IRVINE, Ky., May 24. - Capt. John Wilson, the hero of Lookout mountain and a prominent Mason, died at his home in Estill county today from cancer on the face. He was 74 years old, and leaves a large estate." - Lexington Herald (25 May 1896) transcribed by FoFG MZ [2]