Herbert Charles Wilson
Encyclopedia
Herbert Charles Wilson was a Canadian
politician and physician
. He served as mayor of the Town of Edmonton
and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the North-West Territories.
Wilson was born in 1859 in what would become the province of Ontario
. The son of a manufacturer, Wilson's family had extensive business interests in the area of Picton, Ontario
. Wilson studied medicine and moved to Edmonton in 1882, one of the first physicians to settle there. He was appointed to official medical positions and, for several years, owned a drugstore in town. He served as a consultant to First Nations
reserves near Edmonton. He also became a director of many local corporations. He was elected to the Territorial council in 1885, and soon became its speaker. During his speakership, he helped to change the council's rules and procedures. He left territorial politics after six years, citing health reasons. He maintained a medical practice in town for many years, and went to considerable efforts to keep up with the latest practices.
Wilson interested himself in civic activities in Edmonton, and eventually ran for mayor, winning election in 1885. He left office after less than two years in a dispute over town funds. He attempted a comeback in 1904, but was defeated in a run for the town council. He married in 1886, and had a son and two daughters. He died in 1909; an industrial park in the city is named for him.
, Canada West (now Ontario
), the only son of Charles Stewart (c. 1827–October 28, 1900) and Eliza Maria (née
Biggar) (c. 1832–1867) Wilson. His father was a well-known manufacturer of carriages and sailing ships and a leading banker in his hometown. Additionally, he served as a councillor and mayor of Picton, and was a good friend of Prime Minister
John A. Macdonald
. Wilson's mother was a daughter of Charles Biggar, who, like Wilson's paternal grandfather, Stewart Charles Wilson, was of United Empire Loyalist descent. One of Wilson's uncles, James Lyons Biggar
, was Member of Parliament for Northumberland East, Ontario
. Wilson's mother died in February 1867 when he was seven years old. His father later rewed, marrying Louisa Maria Colley; they had a daughter, born in about 1870. The Wilson family was of Irish
descent.
After attending public high schools in Picton, Wilson went on to study at the Upper Canada College
, before graduating from the Ontario College of Pharmacy on February 7, 1878. He went on to attend Trinity Medical School
in 1878 and achieved Bachelor of Medicine and Doctorate of Medicine degrees in 1882 and 1883 respectively.
in the North-West Territories in 1882 and, shortly after arriving, became active in the local community. He was elected as Director of the Edmonton Literary Club in October 1882 and, in 1883, became a member of a Methodist church committee. He also served as president of the Edmonton Cricket Club, Edmonton Curling Club, Edmonton Gas and Oil Company and as director of the Edmonton Building and Investment Company.
Wilson registered as a medical practitioner in the North-West Territories in 1886 and again in 1906 when the province of Alberta
entered Confederation
. As one of the first physicians in Edmonton, Wilson opened the first drug store, next to his office and served as a medical consultant to nearby First Nations
reserves in addition to serving as the official police surgeon for the North West Mounted Police district of Edmonton from 1886 to 1887, a coroner
for Edmonton and the North-West Territories and an examiner for numerous insurance companies.
Pressed for time by his recent marriage to Emily Lee earlier in the year, an increase in practice due to the town's rapid population growth and his increasing political roles, Wilson sold his drug store in 1886 to a town alderman, Philip Daly
. He then partnered with Herman McInnes
in practice.
. He was elected on September 15, 1885, at the age of 25, defeating his opponent, Frank Oliver, by 120 votes to 111 to become the youngest member of the council.
In 1886, Wilson, along with William Dell Perley
and James Hamilton Ross
, was part of a delegation sent to Ottawa
by the North-West Territories to deliver a council-agreed reply to the Speech from the
throne
. He remained on the council until its abolition in 1888, when he was elected to the first
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, along with his onetime opponent, Frank Oliver.
, a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from Calgary
, for speaker of the Assembly prior to the opening of the first session, on October 31, 1888. It was commonly assumed that James H. Ross would be the first speaker
, but Wilson's name was mentioned for the position and it was decided to hold a vote. After the first three ballots ended in ties, Ross called upon his supporters to vote for Wilson, who was then elected unanimously.
In 1888, Lieutenant Governor Joseph Royal
presented Wilson with a petition against the controversial election of Hillyard Mitchell, member for Batoche
, over opponent George L. Fisher. Wilson presented the petition, as well as a verbal message from Lieutenant Governor Royal, initiating a discussion of proper procedures of receiving petitions in the Assembly. The petition was subsequently read, and sent to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. The Committee ruled in its report that the petitioners did not follow correct procedures, and Mitchell's victory was affirmed. On November 30, 1888, Wilson hosted a dinner for members and other guests in a hotel in Regina, the "first of the kind in the history of the North-West Legislative Assembly".
As Speaker, Wilson also helped revise the rules and forms of proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, and served on the Standing Committee on Standing Orders and Library. In 1891, Wilson left territorial politics after 6 years, citing health reasons. He was succeeded as speaker by James H. Ross.
in 1892, and of the Upper Canada Boys' Association in Edmonton in 1909, the North Alberta Medical Society, and the Alberta Medical Association
in 1907. He was also a member of many community organizations—the Edmonton Old Timers' Association, Council of the College Physicians and Surgeons of the North-West Territories, Edmonton Electric Lighting and Power Company (presently EPCOR
) and a patron of both the Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan Rifle Associations.
Wilson spent a year in Europe
with his wife and took post-graduate education in Edinburgh
and London
. In 1894, along with 5 other physicians, he sent a letter to Vital-Justin Grandin
to support the building of a general hospital by the Grey Nuns
, which was opened on December 15 of the next year. He served on the medical board, until his resignation in 1899 over a disagreement regarding patient admission. He was appointed Justice of Peace of Edmonton in 1895.
, Wilson was elected mayor of Edmonton, defeating John Alexander McDougall
. Important issues in the election included choosing a site for the building of the High Level Bridge
, securing funds for a hospital, and lowering high insurance rates.
Wilson was acclaimed
mayor in 1896, but resigned in October the same year due to a dispute over town funds, stating "I regret very much that this simple affair has assumed such a disgraceful form [and] had to be fought out in the manner". He attempted a comeback in 1904 as he ran for alderman for the newly formed City of Edmonton, but he was defeated, finishing fourteenth of seventeen candidates.
, on September 15, 1886, he married Emily Charlotte Lee in a traditional ceremony at St. Peter's Anglican Church. Emily Wilson owned a piano
, one of the first in Edmonton, and it was used at various dances, an activity the couple enjoyed. The Wilsons were friends of many notable early leading Canadian figures, such as Father Albert Lacombe
, Charles Tupper
, and Amédée Forget.
The Wilsons had a son, Charles Arthur (born 1887), and two daughters, Violet Henrietta (born 1890) and Marjorie (born 1894). Charles like his father attended Upper Canada College
, and became a law student at an Edmonton-based law firm. Charles Wilson Jr served in the 49th Battalion
, and was killed in action at the Battle of Sanctuary Wood in 1916. Violet served overseas with the St. John's Ambulance Brigade as a voluntary aid worker. She later worked as an immigration officer, broadcaster, and author. The couple's younger daughter, Marjorie, was a nurse.
. He had a history of health problems, including a neurological disorder. His partner in medical practice, Herman McInnes, attended him in his final illness. Wilson's funeral, which was held on December 19, had a procession that "extended for half a mile [and comprised] nearly one-hundred vehicles". He was buried at the Edmonton Cemetery. In 1947, following the death of his wife, Emily, she was buried next to him.
After his death, a newspaper stated that Wilson was "in the best sense of the phrase, a great practitioner of the old school, he was not in any sense an 'old fogey' of a doctor, rather, he made it a practice to visit eastern hospitals at frequent to keep in touch with medical progress". He was also described as "an active, public-spirited citizen" of which "kindliness and geniality were outstanding qualities in his nature".
Wilson Industrial Park in Edmonton was named in his honor in 1975.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
politician and physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
. He served as mayor of the Town of Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the North-West Territories.
Wilson was born in 1859 in what would become the province of Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
. The son of a manufacturer, Wilson's family had extensive business interests in the area of Picton, Ontario
Picton, Ontario
Picton is an unincorporated community located in Prince Edward County in southern Central Ontario, Canada. It is the county seat and largest community. Picton is located at the south-western end of Picton Bay, a branch of the Bay of Quinte, which is along the northern shoreline of Lake Ontario...
. Wilson studied medicine and moved to Edmonton in 1882, one of the first physicians to settle there. He was appointed to official medical positions and, for several years, owned a drugstore in town. He served as a consultant to First Nations
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
reserves near Edmonton. He also became a director of many local corporations. He was elected to the Territorial council in 1885, and soon became its speaker. During his speakership, he helped to change the council's rules and procedures. He left territorial politics after six years, citing health reasons. He maintained a medical practice in town for many years, and went to considerable efforts to keep up with the latest practices.
Wilson interested himself in civic activities in Edmonton, and eventually ran for mayor, winning election in 1885. He left office after less than two years in a dispute over town funds. He attempted a comeback in 1904, but was defeated in a run for the town council. He married in 1886, and had a son and two daughters. He died in 1909; an industrial park in the city is named for him.
Early life and education
Wilson was born in PictonPicton, Ontario
Picton is an unincorporated community located in Prince Edward County in southern Central Ontario, Canada. It is the county seat and largest community. Picton is located at the south-western end of Picton Bay, a branch of the Bay of Quinte, which is along the northern shoreline of Lake Ontario...
, Canada West (now Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
), the only son of Charles Stewart (c. 1827–October 28, 1900) and Eliza Maria (née
Married and maiden names
A married name is the family name adopted by a person upon marriage. When a person assumes the family name of her spouse, the new name replaces the maiden name....
Biggar) (c. 1832–1867) Wilson. His father was a well-known manufacturer of carriages and sailing ships and a leading banker in his hometown. Additionally, he served as a councillor and mayor of Picton, and was a good friend of Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Canada
The Prime Minister of Canada is the primary minister of the Crown, chairman of the Cabinet, and thus head of government for Canada, charged with advising the Canadian monarch or viceroy on the exercise of the executive powers vested in them by the constitution...
John A. Macdonald
John A. Macdonald
Sir John Alexander Macdonald, GCB, KCMG, PC, PC , QC was the first Prime Minister of Canada. The dominant figure of Canadian Confederation, his political career spanned almost half a century...
. Wilson's mother was a daughter of Charles Biggar, who, like Wilson's paternal grandfather, Stewart Charles Wilson, was of United Empire Loyalist descent. One of Wilson's uncles, James Lyons Biggar
James Lyons Biggar
James Lyons Biggar was an Ontario merchant and political figure. He represented Northumberland East in the Canadian House of Commons from 1874 to 1878 as an Independent Liberal....
, was Member of Parliament for Northumberland East, Ontario
Northumberland East
Northumberland East was a federal electoral district represented in the Canadian House of Commons from 1867 to 1917. It was located in the province of Ontario. It was created by the British North America Act of 1867....
. Wilson's mother died in February 1867 when he was seven years old. His father later rewed, marrying Louisa Maria Colley; they had a daughter, born in about 1870. The Wilson family was of Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
descent.
After attending public high schools in Picton, Wilson went on to study at the Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College , located in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is an independent elementary and secondary school for boys between Senior Kindergarten and Grade Twelve, operating under the International Baccalaureate program. The secondary school segment is divided into ten houses; eight are...
, before graduating from the Ontario College of Pharmacy on February 7, 1878. He went on to attend Trinity Medical School
University of Trinity College
The University of Trinity College, informally referred to as Trin, is a college of the University of Toronto, founded in 1851 by Bishop John Strachan. Trinity was intended by Strachan as a college of strong Anglican alignment, after the University of Toronto severed its ties with the Church of...
in 1878 and achieved Bachelor of Medicine and Doctorate of Medicine degrees in 1882 and 1883 respectively.
Early career
Wilson moved west to the town of EdmontonEdmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
in the North-West Territories in 1882 and, shortly after arriving, became active in the local community. He was elected as Director of the Edmonton Literary Club in October 1882 and, in 1883, became a member of a Methodist church committee. He also served as president of the Edmonton Cricket Club, Edmonton Curling Club, Edmonton Gas and Oil Company and as director of the Edmonton Building and Investment Company.
Wilson registered as a medical practitioner in the North-West Territories in 1886 and again in 1906 when the province of Alberta
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
entered Confederation
Canadian Confederation
Canadian Confederation was the process by which the federal Dominion of Canada was formed on July 1, 1867. On that day, three British colonies were formed into four Canadian provinces...
. As one of the first physicians in Edmonton, Wilson opened the first drug store, next to his office and served as a medical consultant to nearby First Nations
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
reserves in addition to serving as the official police surgeon for the North West Mounted Police district of Edmonton from 1886 to 1887, a coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
for Edmonton and the North-West Territories and an examiner for numerous insurance companies.
Pressed for time by his recent marriage to Emily Lee earlier in the year, an increase in practice due to the town's rapid population growth and his increasing political roles, Wilson sold his drug store in 1886 to a town alderman, Philip Daly
Philip Daly
Philip Ernest Daly was a politician in Alberta, Canada and a municipal councillor in Edmonton.-Biography:...
. He then partnered with Herman McInnes
Herman McInnes
Herman Lewis McInnes was a politician in Alberta, Canada and a municipal councillor in Edmonton.-Biography:...
in practice.
Politics
Wilson entered territorial politics when he submitted a bid for a seat as an elected representative for the Edmonton district on the Territorial Council1st Council of the Northwest Territories
This is a list of appointed and elected members of the 1st Council of the Northwest Territories in Canada from November 7, 1876 to 1888. Prior to 1876, members were appointed to the Temporary North-West Council....
. He was elected on September 15, 1885, at the age of 25, defeating his opponent, Frank Oliver, by 120 votes to 111 to become the youngest member of the council.
In 1886, Wilson, along with William Dell Perley
William Dell Perley
William Dell Perley was a farmer and politician from western Canada.William has had an extensive political career, he ran at least twice for the Canadian House of Commons in Sunbury electoral district as a Conservative being defeated both times in 1878 and 1882 in hotly contested and very close...
and James Hamilton Ross
James Hamilton Ross
James Hamilton Ross was a Canadian politician, the Yukon Territory's third Commissioner, and an ardent defender of territorial rights...
, was part of a delegation sent to Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
by the North-West Territories to deliver a council-agreed reply to the Speech from the
Speech from the Throne
A speech from the throne is an event in certain monarchies in which the reigning sovereign reads a prepared speech to a complete session of parliament, outlining the government's agenda for the coming session...
throne
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
. He remained on the council until its abolition in 1888, when he was elected to the first
1st North-West Legislative Assembly
The 1st North-West Legislative Assembly lasted from 1888 to 1891. This Assembly was the third in the history of the Northwest Territories. The Assembly marked a huge milestone bringing responsible government to the territory for the first time.-Background:...
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, along with his onetime opponent, Frank Oliver.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Wilson was nominated by Hugh CayleyHugh Cayley
Hugh St. Quentin Cayley was a Canadian lawyer, news reporter and politician.-Early life:Hugh St. Quentin Cayley was born on November 19, 1857 in Toronto. He was raised in Upper Canada and one of eleven children fathered by William Cayley...
, a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
, for speaker of the Assembly prior to the opening of the first session, on October 31, 1888. It was commonly assumed that James H. Ross would be the first speaker
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories
The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories The speakership has changed many times from 1876 to 1888 the presiding officer of the assembly was the Lieutenant-Governor of the Northwest Territories, however Members of the Legislative Assembly would...
, but Wilson's name was mentioned for the position and it was decided to hold a vote. After the first three ballots ended in ties, Ross called upon his supporters to vote for Wilson, who was then elected unanimously.
In 1888, Lieutenant Governor Joseph Royal
Joseph Royal
Joseph Royal was a Canadian journalist, lawyer, politician, businessman, and Lieutenant Governor of the Northwest Territories.-Early life and career:...
presented Wilson with a petition against the controversial election of Hillyard Mitchell, member for Batoche
Batoche (N.W.T. electoral district)
Batoche was a territorial electoral district in the Northwest Territories that existed from 1888 to 1905.- Members of the Legislative Assembly :-1888 election:-1891 election:...
, over opponent George L. Fisher. Wilson presented the petition, as well as a verbal message from Lieutenant Governor Royal, initiating a discussion of proper procedures of receiving petitions in the Assembly. The petition was subsequently read, and sent to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. The Committee ruled in its report that the petitioners did not follow correct procedures, and Mitchell's victory was affirmed. On November 30, 1888, Wilson hosted a dinner for members and other guests in a hotel in Regina, the "first of the kind in the history of the North-West Legislative Assembly".
As Speaker, Wilson also helped revise the rules and forms of proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, and served on the Standing Committee on Standing Orders and Library. In 1891, Wilson left territorial politics after 6 years, citing health reasons. He was succeeded as speaker by James H. Ross.
Post-territorial politics
Wilson returned to Edmonton after his retirement as speaker and continued to be an active community member. He served as President of the Edmonton Liberal Conservative AssociationLiberal-Conservative Party
The Liberal-Conservative Party was the formal name of the Conservative Party of Canada until 1873, although some Conservative candidates continued to run under the label as late as the 1911 election and others ran as simple Conservatives prior to 1873...
in 1892, and of the Upper Canada Boys' Association in Edmonton in 1909, the North Alberta Medical Society, and the Alberta Medical Association
Alberta Medical Association
The Alberta Medical Association is an organization of physicians in the Canadian province of Alberta. It describes itself as an "advocate for its physician members, providing leadership and support for their role in the provision of quality health care"...
in 1907. He was also a member of many community organizations—the Edmonton Old Timers' Association, Council of the College Physicians and Surgeons of the North-West Territories, Edmonton Electric Lighting and Power Company (presently EPCOR
EPCOR
EPCOR Utilities Inc., formerly known as Aqualta and Eltec, is a utility company based in Edmonton, Alberta, which manages numerous municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities throughout Alberta and British Columbia...
) and a patron of both the Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan Rifle Associations.
Wilson spent a year in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
with his wife and took post-graduate education in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
and London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. In 1894, along with 5 other physicians, he sent a letter to Vital-Justin Grandin
Vital-Justin Grandin
Father Vital-Justin Grandin was a Roman Catholic priest and bishop who served the Church in the western parts of what is now Canada both before and after Confederation.-Early life:...
to support the building of a general hospital by the Grey Nuns
Grey Nuns
The Order of Sisters of Charity of Montreal, formerly called The Order of Sisters of Charity of the Hôpital Général of Montreal and more commonly known as the Grey Nuns of Montreal, is a Canadian order of Roman Catholic religious sisters...
, which was opened on December 15 of the next year. He served on the medical board, until his resignation in 1899 over a disagreement regarding patient admission. He was appointed Justice of Peace of Edmonton in 1895.
Mayor of Edmonton
In the 1895 municipal electionEdmonton municipal election, 1895
The 1895 municipal election was held January 14, 1895 to elect the town council and four trustees for each of the public and separate school divisions...
, Wilson was elected mayor of Edmonton, defeating John Alexander McDougall
John Alexander McDougall
John Alexander McDougall was a politician in Alberta, Canada, a municipal councillor and mayor in Edmonton, and a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.-Early life:...
. Important issues in the election included choosing a site for the building of the High Level Bridge
High Level Bridge (Edmonton)
The High Level Bridge, opened in 1913, spans the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Located next to the Alberta Legislature Building, the bridge linked the separate communities of Edmonton and Strathcona, which became one city in 1912. It was designed from the outset to...
, securing funds for a hospital, and lowering high insurance rates.
Wilson was acclaimed
Acclamation
An acclamation, in its most common sense, is a form of election that does not use a ballot. "Acclamation" or "acclamatio" can also signify a kind of ritual greeting and expression of approval in certain social contexts in ancient Rome.-Voting:...
mayor in 1896, but resigned in October the same year due to a dispute over town funds, stating "I regret very much that this simple affair has assumed such a disgraceful form [and] had to be fought out in the manner". He attempted a comeback in 1904 as he ran for alderman for the newly formed City of Edmonton, but he was defeated, finishing fourteenth of seventeen candidates.
Personal life
In TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, on September 15, 1886, he married Emily Charlotte Lee in a traditional ceremony at St. Peter's Anglican Church. Emily Wilson owned a piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, one of the first in Edmonton, and it was used at various dances, an activity the couple enjoyed. The Wilsons were friends of many notable early leading Canadian figures, such as Father Albert Lacombe
Albert Lacombe
Albert Lacombe , commonly known in Alberta simply as Father Lacombe, was a French-Canadian Roman Catholic missionary who lived among and evangelized the Cree and Blackfoot First Nations of western Canada...
, Charles Tupper
Charles Tupper
Sir Charles Tupper, 1st Baronet, GCMG, CB, PC was a Canadian father of Confederation: as the Premier of Nova Scotia from 1864 to 1867, he led Nova Scotia into Confederation. He later went on to serve as the sixth Prime Minister of Canada, sworn in to office on May 1, 1896, seven days after...
, and Amédée Forget.
The Wilsons had a son, Charles Arthur (born 1887), and two daughters, Violet Henrietta (born 1890) and Marjorie (born 1894). Charles like his father attended Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College , located in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is an independent elementary and secondary school for boys between Senior Kindergarten and Grade Twelve, operating under the International Baccalaureate program. The secondary school segment is divided into ten houses; eight are...
, and became a law student at an Edmonton-based law firm. Charles Wilson Jr served in the 49th Battalion
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry)
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment , or LER, is a Primary Reserve infantry unit of the Canadian Forces based in Edmonton, Alberta. The LER is part of Land Force Western Area's 41 Canadian Brigade Group...
, and was killed in action at the Battle of Sanctuary Wood in 1916. Violet served overseas with the St. John's Ambulance Brigade as a voluntary aid worker. She later worked as an immigration officer, broadcaster, and author. The couple's younger daughter, Marjorie, was a nurse.
Death and legacy
Wilson died in Edmonton on December 17, 1909 at the age of 50, following a strokeStroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
. He had a history of health problems, including a neurological disorder. His partner in medical practice, Herman McInnes, attended him in his final illness. Wilson's funeral, which was held on December 19, had a procession that "extended for half a mile [and comprised] nearly one-hundred vehicles". He was buried at the Edmonton Cemetery. In 1947, following the death of his wife, Emily, she was buried next to him.
After his death, a newspaper stated that Wilson was "in the best sense of the phrase, a great practitioner of the old school, he was not in any sense an 'old fogey' of a doctor, rather, he made it a practice to visit eastern hospitals at frequent to keep in touch with medical progress". He was also described as "an active, public-spirited citizen" of which "kindliness and geniality were outstanding qualities in his nature".
Wilson Industrial Park in Edmonton was named in his honor in 1975.