WILSON, J. E. Sr., Beeville Bee, Friday, 2 Aug 1901:

Death of J. E. WILSON, Sr.
A passing away of a big-hearted citizen and solider. The following relative to the death of John E. WILSON, Sr. a former 
citizen of Beeville and uncle of Sheriff Wilson of this county, appeared in Friday's San Antonio Express:
John E. Wilson, Sr. departed this life at his residence at Russell Place on Beacon Hill at 10:10 a.m. He was born in 
Lebanon, Tennessee in 1828. His father immigrated to Texas with his family in 1832 and settled in Bastrop County. 
The subject of this sketch was a soldier. He enlisted in freedom's cause almost from his infancy. He was with 
Captain Jack HAYES in the days of the Republic, was a private under General H. E. McCULLOCH and Colonel FORD 
in their respective commands through a series of years, was in numerous engagements with the Indians and bore 
himself as an active, sleepless and gallant soldier everywhere and on all occasions. He was a member of Company C, 
under Captain Mark EVANS, in the Eighth Texas Cavalry, known as the Terry Rangers, in the Confederate service and 
distinguished himself as a private therein in repeated battles.

After the close of the war between the states he settled down in Bee County as a stock raiser and ranchman and by 
habits of industry and economy, started with absolutely nothing he became quite wealthy and lived in feudal grandeur. 
He kept an open house and at home and abroad, far and near, he was known for his free board, generous hospitality.
His family was afflicted with the terrible malady of consumption. He passed from us in the same way. Consumption 
sent him to the cold embrace of the grave and tomb.

No man ever existed that was kinder and more generous to his dependent relatives and he had many of such. He educated 
and started them all in life. Two or three have succeeded beyond anticipation; one is notably wealthy now. Not only to his 
indigent relations, but also to the poor of his county, none could be or ever had been more charitable. Such was his life. 

He died of that fatal malady and suffered nonspoken torture for a period of over twelve months, For six weeks before his 
demise his departure was expected daily. A few early friends and a favorite nephew, Lon BURTHELL, were with him to his 
last pulse beat, and a devoted wife was ever at his side through his long illness.