Willson Family, Frederick, George, James, Charles & Albert
Glassford Brigadier General Frederick Willson was promoted to rank
of General in 1838 and retired from the military in 1842.
Frederick’s father, Henry, fought in the Revolutionary War.
He built a gristmill in Mayfield Township near the Chardon River.
The road we now know as Wilson Mills Road was named in honor of
General Willson.
Willson, Frederick (Brigadier General) - Brigadier General
Willson or General Willson as most called him was born on January
4, 1807 in Phelps, Ontario County, New York a descendent of Henry
Willson an Irish born immigrant who served in the Revolutionary
War. He arrived in Cuyahoga County in 1830 and settled in Mayfield
Township. Government land was purchased where Mr. Willson built a
gristmill. The area around the mill which was located near the
Chagrin River became known as Willson's Mills/Wilson's Mill. The
first post office for the area was situated at Willson's Mills. In
1839 the mill burned to the ground but was immediately rebuilt and
back in operation by January 7, 1840. Willson's Mills ceased to
exist sometime after 1894. Wilson Mills Road still exists today and
was named after General Willson. General Willson married Eliza (nee
Henderson) on September 6, 1836. Mrs. Willson was born on November
25, 1816 in Columbia County, New York the daughter of Ira and
Elizabeth (nee Hopp) Henderson. There were nine children born of
the marriage. General Willson began his military service with a
regiment of the light artillery in the New York Militia. In 1834 he
was elected Major of the Second Brigade, Ninth Division, Ohio
Militia. He continued to be promoted until in 1838 he was promoted
to the rank of Brigadier General. In approximately 1842 he retired
from military service. General Willson served as Justice of the
Peace for six year and was a member for 60 years in the Masonic
fraternity reaching the rank of Sir Knight. General Willson passed
away on July 21, 1884 at the age of 78. He and his wife, Eliza and
a number of their children rest in Section 6, Lot 52.
SGT George, member of the 1st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died May
14, 1864 on the second day of the battle of Resaca in northern
Georgia. James was with the 1st OLVA, Battery B. He died at the age
of 20. Charles was with the 6th Regiment, Company D. Albert
Glassford was with the 78th OVI, Company E.
Please note that this cache is
not on or immediately near the markers that you see, but may
be found very close by.
Please be respectful of your surroundings while you are searching
for this cache.