Wilson, William K.

Submitted by Mike Miller

The city of New Orleans has become a well-known industrial center, and here are located some of the largest works in the various lines, the Copper, Brass & Iron works, of William K. Wilson, being among the number. The business was founded in 1879, and from a small beginning has developed into its present admirable proportions, which result is entirely owing to the ample practical experience and the close supervision of details by Mr. Wilson. He began with no capital save a good constitution and an ample amount of brains, but obtained a considerable amount of employment in the sugar districts, making tanks for refining, and oil mills, his annual income amounting to between $60,000 and $70,000. So successful has he been that an enlargement of his facilities are necessary and he will soon erect an extensive building on Tchaupitoulas street, and will endeavor to still more extend his business relations. He was born in Toronto, Canada, July l8, l842, and there partially learned his trade prior to leaving that city for New York at the age of nineteen years. After spending some time in that city and Philadelphia he went to St. Louis and other important Western cities, and for two years had entire charge of a large copper, brass sheet-iron works. During the Civil war he served in the United States navy and during his service made his first trip to New Orleans. In 1870 he turned his footsteps in the direction of this city and for a number of years thereafter was in the employ of Hennessy & Bro., then commenced for himself as above stated. For about one year he was a member of the firm of Wilson, Garrity & Co., dealers in mill and engineer's supplies, but this enterprise proving disastrous financially, Mr. Wilson withdrew and some time after became associated with a Mr. Frederick in the same business which connection also lasted one year. Since conducting his own affairs he has been more successful and now keeps constantly employed between thirty and forty men, but has constant supervision over every department of his work which is without doubt a secret of his success. On June 5, 1872, he led to the hymenial altar Miss A. M. Barrett, of New Orleans, who bore him one son and two daughters. The former, William A., is the only surviving member of the family, the two daughters having died of yellow fever, one at the ago of four years and the other when three years old. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Commercial club, and socially belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and since 1872 has been a member of the K. of P. Although Mr. Wilson is now in his fiftieth year, he carries his age well, in fact, does not look over forty years of age. He is a fine looking gentleman, and in his demeanor is courteous and affable.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 462. Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.