JAMES WILDERS, merchant, Louisville, was born in Center County, Penn., February 27, 1820. His father, Jeremiah Wilders (deceased), was a foundryman in a blast furnace, and our subject worked at the business about ten years. He located in Clay County in 1856. He farmed several years, then followed the blacksmith trade, and afterward engaged in the mercantile business, establishing the first grocery store kept in Louisville. From 1871 to 1873, he ran a warehouse at the depot, then returned to the grocery business. He keeps a full line of groceries, provisions, etc., and is doing a good business. Mr. Wilders was married in the winter of 1843-44 to Miss Elizabeth Bratton. She died, and in 1846 he married Miss Elizabeth Seaburn. Mr. Wilders was Tax Collector for twelve years, and for the past twelve years has held the office of School Treasurer for Louisville Township. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity.
Extracted 28 Dec 2017 by Norma Hass from 1884 History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Part IV, Louisville Township, page 158.
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