She was one of four daughters of Samuel and Martha Williams, who homesteaded in Jackson Township, Guthrie County, Iowa, in 1854–along with Samuel’s parents. They were early and devout members of the Morrisburg Christian Church.
Georgia Ann married a man named Frank Davis when she was 17. Baby Fred Davis was born the next year. His parents divorced. No clues as to why, only guesses, but Georgia and little Fred probably ended up living with her folks.
Five years later, she married Daniel Wilson, four years her junior. Dan evidently didn’t want to raise another man’s son, so Fred grew up with his grandparents.
But while working with early Iowa ancestors for Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots, I noticed that Samuel and Martha Williams had had a son born first, probably in Ohio, who died at the age of 1. His name was Roy.
They came to Iowa in 1855 with a two year old daughter, Emma. Three more daughters were born in Guthrie County, Iowa–Serepta Ann, Edna Alice, and Georgia Ann.
Perhaps it was her parent’s idea to let Georgia start over again with a new family. What are your thoughts? Perhaps this gave them a chance to raise a son, which had been denied them with the death of their firstborn.
Georgia Ann Wilson is buried in Guthrie County’s Morrisburg Cemetery, along with her first child (Fred Davis), her parents, Williams grandparents, and many other relatives.
Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots
The photo on the cover is of newlyweds Clabe and Leora Wilson in front of Georgia Wilson’s house, which still stands, in Panora.