The subject of this sketch can not be classed with the very early pioneers of Harriston, as he did not settle here until 1877, but he came possessed of means, and immediately too a leading part in the affairs of Harriston and Minto. He carried on the lumber business, and besides putting up and purchasing business property in Harriston, he became a large land owner, and at his death in 1887 left a large estate.

James Foster Wilson was b. in Penn. U.S., in 1826, and emigrated to Canada in 1846, settling in Wentworth Co. He started in life in Canada with just one dollar in his pocket, but by dint of industry and economy soon found himself possessed of some means, with which he built the first saw mill in Ancaster. At this time lumber was in great demand, and young Wilson made money rapidly. In the midst of his prosperity his mill property was destroyed by fire, and he found himself again destitute of means, but he had built up a business reputation for ability and integrity, and with an energy born of an indomitable will, he soon replaced his property, and his success continued.

Sarah Matilda was James Foster's second wife, and they were married in March 1867 a year after Margaret, the first wife, and the older sister of Sarah, had died in Ancaster. Tradition says that James Foster just about started over from scratch after the move to Harriston, but he quickly recovered and was very successful in the lumber business and acquired a number of properties in and around Harriston.

After some years, wishing a more extended field for his for his operations and investments, he moved to Harriston, and here continued the same energy and push that had characterized his success in Ancaster. He was successively Councillor, Reeve and Mayor of Harriston, and was also Trustee, and held other offices in the Methodist church, in which he took a great interest. In fact, anything for the betterment or advancement of the community, met with a ready response from James Foster Wilson. The family was very active in the community and the Episcopal-Methodist Church (later became the United Church). They lived on a large lot on Arthur Street.

Mr. Wilson m. first Margaret Stewart. Second wife, Matilda Stewart.

His oldest son, James W. Wilson, is the active executor of his father's estate, and a leading citizen of Harriston. He has held the office of Councillor, Mayor, 1904-5, and is a member of the School Board. He m. Janet, dau. of Robert Blackwood, of Harriston.

Children born to the marriage:
James William (m. Janet BLACKWOOD)
Gertrude Eleanor (m. Edgar Bowes TEEPLE
John Buchanan (m. May TROTTER)
Sarah Matilda (m. Edwin HOWES)
Mary Rosetta (died unmarried in early her early twenties)
Corry Mae Mott (m. John BROUGHTON)
Edith Louise (m. Herbert FAWKES)
Thomas Lafayette (m. Elizabeth RAYNER)
Franklin Foster (m. Bernice WiILLIAMSON)
Laidlaw Harley (m. Lillian ?)

Most of the above children did not remain in Harriston after reaching adulthood and marrying. The oldest son, James William, was also a Harriston Mayor and was part owner of the Wilson-Pye Dry Goods Store. In the early 1900's he and his family moved to Saskatoon, and a daughter, Sarah Matilda, and her husband, Edwin, to Toronto. The others went to the U.S.

Two of the daughters from the first marriage, also moved with the family to Harriston. They were: Margaret (m. Benjamin MITCHELL).
The MITCHELL family had a business in Harriston manufacturing items from iron/steel). Benjamin died an early death just a couple of years after marrying Margaret. She, with her two young sons, remained in Harriston, but after the boys were grown, moved with them to Edmonton.

Prudence (m. Water BRISTOW).
They remained in Harriston after marrying but later moved to Manitoba.

James Foster, died at age 61, after breaking a hip and developing pneumonia. Sarah Matilda was pregnant with the tenth child. She remained in Harriston, raised the children, and later moved to Toronto to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Matilda, and Dr. Edwin Howes.

The elder Sarah Matilda died October 1936 and is buried beside James Foster in the Wilson family plot at Harriston Cemetery.