Arthur J. Wilson, the only son of Jesse Warren and Hannah (Ryan) Wilson, is a native son of Sacramento and has had an active and successful business careere here since an early age. He inherited the energy of his father, and was not content until he got into the real work of life, in which he has gained an enviable degree of prosperity, and at the same time has won prominence by his participation in public affairs and enterprises.

He was born in Sacramento, April 22, 1864, and was educated in the public schools, in Brothers College, and also one term at Atkinson Business College. He began earning money of his own at the age of nine years, by driving a hack, and he used to get up at four o'clock in the morning in order to meet a train. when his father bought the livery stable in 1875 he began assisting in that enterprise, and when the new stable was opened five years later at 318 K street, Mr. Wilson took charge and has conducted it ever since. About 1890 he went east with some horses and remained a year, and then returned and bought a half interest in the stable, after which it was conducted under the firm name of Wilson and Son. In May, 1899, he bought his father's interest, and has since been the sole owner. He has in fact had the entire running of the business since he was old enough to handle a rein, which is an indication of the energy and executive ability that he has manifested all his life. His stable is the largest and best equipped north of San Francisco, and he has devoted his best efforts and most intelligent management to the enterprise. He runs a line of carriages, his being the only stable in Sacramento to do so, and also does a general livery business and conducts a boarding stable.

Mr. Wilson has been active in the affairs of the Republican party since attaining his majority, and has attended both county and state conventions as delegate. He served as deputy sheriff under his father, and was also appointed superintendent of the city cemetery. He affiliates with the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Foresters of America, the Fraternal Brotherhood, the Tribe of Ben Hur and other orders. He has acquired a fine farm in the county, south of Sacramento, and is owner of a fine home in Sacramento. He was the organizer and a stockholder, and at one time the treasurer of the Sacramento laundry, and is interested in several other companies and corporations.

Mr. Wilson was married in Sacramento, September 20, 1890, to Miss Josie P. Sellinger, a native of Sacramento and a daughter of Charles Sellinger, manager of the Union Ice Company. She died in July 1899, leaving three daughters, Irene, Claire and Josephine, and one son, Jesse Warren. In December, 1899, Mr. Wilson was married in San Francisco to Mrs. Mary F. Forbes, a native of California.

Source: History of the New California Its Resources and People, Volume I

The Lewis Publishing Company - 1905
Edited by Leigh H. Irvine