William M. Wilson, superintendent of the Eagle Bird and El Ora Mines Company and financially interested in mining operations at Maybert, California, was born in butte county, this state, on the 15th of November, 1865. His father, William M. Wilson, Sr., was a native of Scotland, belonging to a distinguished family of that land that numbered among its members some of the speakers of parliament. In the year 1852 William M. Wilson, Sr., came to California. Mining was the principal industry of the state, and to that labor he directed his energies and continued to follow that pursuit throughout his remaining days, being largely engaged in the development of the mineral resources of California. He owned a number of mining properties in the neighborhood of Oroville in early days, also at Cherokee, and was an owner in the Spring Valley Quartz mine above Oroville that has recently been sold. His death occurred February 5, 1904, and he is still survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jessie McDonald. She was born in Edinburg, Scotland, and is now living at Cherokee, Butte county, California.

In the family were three sons and four daughters, namely: William M., of this review; D. D., who is superintendent of the Omega Mine in Nevada county, California; A. M., who is superintendent of the Spring Valley Quartz mine in Butte county, for the United Gold & Copper Company; Mrs. Marrian Nisbet, of Oroville, California; Mrs. Belle Williams, also of Oroville; and Jeannette and Nellie, who are residing with their mother at Cherokee.

William M. Wilson, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the schools of his native county. He wished to acquire a practical and comprehensive knowledge of the mining business in all its departments, and has devoted all his time to practical mining. He has been superintendent of different mines throughout California, during which time he has done work for various companies in examining mines, and has been quite largely interested in mining deals and projects. He is now a stockholder in several mining corporations and has negotiated the sales in Nevada county of both quartz and gravel properties.

The mining properties in this portion of the state have a very promising outlook, and the work will be carried on extensively during the season of 1904. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in his political views, but does not seek or desire public office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, and but few men are better informed concerning mines and mining than he. He has made a close study not only from the scientific but also from the practical standpoint and has gained a comprehensive knowledge, which has been put to the test in the development of the properties, which under his direction have become paying investments.

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

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