Sylvia Helen Wilson

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: 29BF9ABBEBEB46B3B39EA0CE8AE58CC48A33

Notes:

Article in Winona, MN, Daily News dated 2-22-1955 indicates that she was an ex-communist. (Source: notes from Louis Wilson given to Larry Wilson refers to her as Helen Wood. Another place on note is the name, Helen Wood Birnie).

Larry Wilson Received the following on 11/3/01 in e-mail from Patrick Wilson:

As Helen Wood Birnie, Helen Wilson wrote the booklet "The Broken Wall" detailing her life as a Communist Party organizer in the 1930s and her subsequent abandonment of the Communist Party to become a civil rights activist and later a Christian activist. The book was published in July, 1954. Helen testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee to speak out against the Communist Party.

Helen used the name Helen DeMark in 1934 as an International Labor Defense Organizer for the Communist Party.

An excerpt from "The Broken Wall" (I added items in brackets):

I had polio when I was three years old. Now, obviously, I am not the only person in America who had polio, not the only person who suffered from it. It so happened, however, that I was the only individual in the village in Minnesota where I lived that had it at the time. And so I was marked as different. I felt the difference, and I did not appreciate it either. I did not like the idea that there were things that other children could do that I could not do. It made me unhappy because I could not romp up and down the hills with them or skate on the mill pond with them. I was always tagging way behind. These things began to stimulate bitterness and resentment in my heart. Of course, there were other reasons, too. We did not have a normal home life. My father [Wallace W. Wilson] was a man who suffered from bitterness because having married late in life and dearly loving my mother [Clara], he lost her when I was just three-and-a-half years old. I had two older sisters [Mildred and Melinda]. These girls, of course, were just as marked by this unfortunate circumstance as I ever was. But it shall be said that their reaction to it was different. We were scattered at the mercy of kindly neighbors and relatives who took us into their homes. My father remarried [Helen], but he was always a man who maintained a sober yet unhappy attitude. Everything that makes for a home was missing in the one in which I grew up. I do not say this because I want to cast reflection on anyone in my family or anyone in my community. But it is true that I did not have a positive understanding of Christian values as a child because they were not taught and presented to me in my home. Now it is easy for people to jump to a conclusion and say, "She's only making excuses." I can appreciate that, and I do not feel unkindly toward you if that is the way you feel. I am telling this story in the hope that people who are asking the question "Why do Americans take up with Communism?" will be honest enough to examine my life and see if, perhaps, it does not contain the answer.

My father died when I was twelve years old. I had the good fortune, however, of being reared close to a man who had a keen appreciation of human life [Clarence E. Wilson]. He was a country doctor, and my father's older brother. A fine and noble man as far as his convictions toward mankind were concerned, he was the kind of a country doctor that people were given to taking for granted, the kind you read about, the kind that folks would pay with pumpkins, rutabagas, cordwood and tomatoes in season and, not so often, money. My uncle was very near and dear to me because he was determined that I should not become one of those thwarted and unhappy individuals known as cripples. He did everything he could to make it possible for me to become a normal human being. He died a tragic death at his own hand when I was fifteen years old. This left an indelible mark upon my life. It caused me to be very bitter, because as I looked back across the years and remembered his faithfulness to his family, his community and to me in particular, I was made aware of the faithlessness of others to him in his hour of need. This led me to say in my heart: "I will not be as other women; I will not be a school-teacher; I will not be a nurse; I will not be a farmer's wife. I am going to be different, I am going to make my difference felt." I said something else in my heart, "You wait, I'll make you sorry you ever knew me. I'll make you hate me so you'll never mention my name." And that I did, for my name was one that was seldom ever spoken except in disrespect, for years and years in the lovely, beautiful community in Minnesota where I began my life.

Member:
John Birch Society

Member:
Communist Party

Family/Spouse: Charles Edward Dennison. Charles was born in 1907; died in 1942. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Michael J. (Dennison) Birnie was born in 1939 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, USA; died on 6 Jan 2013 in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, USA.
2. Wallace Loylan (Dennison) Birnie was born on 12 Aug 1939 in , Steele County, Minnesota, USA; and died.
3. Ruth Margaret Josephane Mary Josephine (Dennison) Birnie was born on 4 Oct 1941 in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, USA; and died.

Sylvia married Rev. Charles L. Wood between 1942 and 1945 in Southern California. Charles was born in Unknown; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living

Sylvia married David Birnie about 1947. David (son of Johan Birnie) was born on 25 Jul 1903 in , , , Holland; died on 16 Jan 1986 in Bellview, King County, Washington, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: C1E3AB6D5E2643CC963547FBEB18CDE8143E
• Census: 15 Jun 1880, New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA; 1880 Federal
• Occupation: 1913, Homer Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA, Pickwick; manager, Pickwick Co-Operation Creamery

Notes:

Obituary from the Winona Republican-Herald, 14 Apr 1922, p. 13:

Pickwick

Funeral services for William Wallace Wilson were held at the Methodist church at Dakota, Wednesday, April 12, at two o'clock under the direction of the Masonic Order. Rev. A.T. Wallace of Winona officiated and interment was made in the Dakota cemetery.

William Wallace Wilson was born at Dakota Aug. 27, 1864, in a family of thirteen children. He died at the hospital at La Crosse, April 9, 1922, after an illness of six months. Aug. 20, 1904, he was married to Miss Clara Kourtz at Meloma, Wis. To them were born three children, Mildred, Melinda, and Helen, who survive him. Mr. Wilson moved here about twelve years ago to operate the Pickwick Co-operative creamery, a position which he held for six years. His wife died here on Feb. 11, 1913. About a year after her death the family spent two years in St. Charles when they returned to the village and Mr. Wilson purchased the store of F.J. Willard at Winona. April 7, 1915, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Helen Albrecht of Nodine who survives him. During their residence of twelve years here the family made many friends who extend their sympathy to the widow and daughters in their sad bereavement.

Mr. Wilson is survived by two sisters, Mrs. George Gleason of Nortonville, North Dakota, and Mrs. Newton Grant of Tomah, Wis. and seven brothers, Dr. Clarence Wilson of Dakota, John of Minneiska, Judson of Cumberland, Wis., Delbert of Parker, S.D., and Willis of Edgerly, N. D., who has spent the winter with his brother.

In addition to the relatives who attended the funeral there were Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson and son, Stanley, Mrs. Newton Grant and Willis Wilson, also Erdman Kowitz of Sparta, Wis., Mrs. Ed Dangle and Gus Kowitz of Adams, Wis.

The following brother Masons of the Pickwick Lodge, A.F. and A.M., of which Mr. Wilson was a member, attended the funeral: J.M. Rutherford, Floyd Dykeman, Clyde Harvey, Dan Stedman, Howard Stedman, Stuart Harrington, James Sperbeck, and Ray Le May.

Helen Wilson returned to Adams, Wis., with her aunt, Mrs. Ed Dangle. Melinda Wilson accompanied her uncle, Erdman Kowitz, to Sparta, Wis. for an extended visit, and Mildred Wilson returned to Winona where she is engaged in work.

Census:

Household Members:
J. G. Wilson 47
Sarah Wilson 47
Wm. Wilson 18
Geo. A. Wilson 14
Judson Wilson 12
Sarah Wilson 10
Frances Wilson 7
John Wilson 6
Delbert Wilson 3
E. L. Wilson 71

Buried:
Buried Next To His Brother, Clarence, Dakota, Minnesota, Cemetery.

William married Clara Melinda Kowitz on 31 Aug 1904. Clara (daughter of Gustave Kowitz and Melinda Sheridan) was born on 1 Mar 1882 in Wells, Monroe County, Wisconsin, USA; died on 11 Feb 1913 in La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin, USA; was buried on 13 Feb 1913 in Sparta, Monroe County, Wisconsin, USA, Mt. Hope Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: E34C07EF43E349CB81387C6E5F0C84170868
• Alt. Birth: 1 Mar 1881, , , Wisconsin, USA

Notes:

Obituary from the Winona Republican-Herald, 17 Feb 1913, p. 6:

Clara Melenda Hovitz was born March, 1882, in the town of Wells, Monroe county, Wisconsin, and there received her education and grew to womanhood. She was united in marriage August 31, 1904 to Wallace W. Wilson of Dakota, Minnesota, and for the next three years resided at Newry, Wisconsin. Following that they lived for two years at Marathon, Wisconsin and for the past three years they resided in Pickwick, Winona county. Mr. Wilson having charge of the Pickwick Co-operation creamery there. For the past seven weeks Mrs. Wilson had been seriously ill from an attack of gall stones and was finally removed to the La Crosse Hospital where she passed away on the morning of February 11. She leaves to mourn her unexpected passage her husband, Mr. Wallace W. Wilson, her paraents, Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Howitz of Sparta, three little girls, Mildred, aged seven, Melinda, aged six and Helen aged three, two brothers, E. G. Howitz of Sparta, Frank of Ekalaka, Montana, two sisters, Mrs. J. I. Menor of Sacramento, California and Miss Lottie Howitz also of Sparta. Mrs. Wilson was a member of the local chapter O.E.S. was also its treasurer and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. She was ever willing to do her part; was a kind and loving mother and a faithful wife and will be sadly missed in the community. The remains were taken to Sparta, Wis., where appropriate services were held Thursday, February the 13 at the home of the parents, with internment in Mount Hope cemetery, Rev. Harding R. Hogan of the congregational church officiating. Among those from Pickwick and vicinity attending the funeral were: Mrs. Clarence Wilson of Dakota, Mr. and Mrs. D. Griffin, Misses Jessie Dykeman and Rosie Pieger, Mrs. J.A. Johnston, J. M. Rutherford, and John Griffin and Mrs. S. L. Jamison of La Moille, Giles Brown and Loyd Wilson of Dakota.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA, Dakota Village
• _UID: 8CF2072B474B4EB8AE3F0E1CF1F2DBAECB97
• Census: 1840, Plattsburg, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1840 Federal
• Census: 13 Sep 1850, Chazy, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1950 Federal
• Migrated: 1854
• Census: 15 Jun 1880, New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA; 1880 Federal

Notes:

Had 13 Children according to History of Winona County. Census records from 1860 to 1900, however, reveal 14 entries.

From The History of Winona County Minnesota, compiled by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, Editor in Chief, Assisted by William Jay Whipple, Reviewer of Manuscripts and a Large Corps of Local Contributors, Illustrated, Volume II, Chicago, H.C. Cooper Jr. and Co., 1913 (Copy in Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul), page 909:

James G. Wilson was born in New York state, February 13, 1832, and died in Winona county, June 6, 1907. He came to Winona county in 1854, and settled in New Hartford township. He lived a quiet life, and devoted himself to his farm and his large family. He married Sarah Brown, who was born June 20, 1832, and died in June 1902. In the family there were thirteen children, ten boys and three girls. Eleven of the thirteen lived to adult years, and of these, ten are still living.

From the Winona Republican-Herald, 13 June 1908:

Dakota

Another of the rapidly diminishing members of Winona county pioneers has passed away. James G. Wilson died at his home in Dakota Valley June 7 1908 at the advanced age of seventy-six years, three months and twenty-four days. The deceased was born at Plattsburgh, N.Y., and came to Minnesota in 1854 and opened the farm which he has occupied ever since. He was joined in marriage to Sarah B. Brown a sister of the late Nathan Brown, the pioneer settler in Dakota. The marriage took place in 1852. Of this union were born thirteen children, three of whom are dead. The first Mrs. Brown died quite a number of years ago and on June 6, 1907 Mr. Wilson contracted a second marriage with Emma Einfeldt of La Crosse who survives him. The funeral services were held June 9, conducted by Rev. C. F. Dykeman. Interment was made in the cemetery about a mile and a half west of the village of Dakota, which was laid out as a burial place a number of years ago and is located near the residence of the deceased. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the west. Because the house was unable to hold the assembled number of people the services were held in the open air on the cemetery grounds. The grave was decked with garlands of flowers placed there by those who loved him best. Kind friends sang hymns of comfort and Rev. Dykeman pronounced and the people returned to their homes. Seven of the children were present at the funeral. Mr. Wilson possessed a robust and vigorous intellect, but lived rather a retired life, fond of horticulture and gardening, intimately known to but few and esteemed most of his old neighbors and associates, who with him came here in territorial days and labored to make Minnesota and abode of an industrious, intelligent and happy people.

In the Wilson cemetery under the huge boughs of the large oak trees which cover the place, Mr. Dykeman said in part to the large crowd of mourners and freinds, that he thought the service would be more impressive and appropriate right out in the open air, and in God's own temple he read a short sketch of Mr. Wilson's life and religious belief which was a Universalist. He then took up his theme which was to avoid or lessen future punishment; Justice and Truth doing all the good we can, and making all as happy as we can. He said Universalists were scarce and far between, and he believed that he was the only Universalist minister in southern Minnesota. Mr. Dykeman spoke as only Mr. Dykeman can. It has seldom been or privilege to listen to more truth. The choir were Wm. Winter, Mrs. Wolf, and Mrs. Workman.

Occupation:
Farmer (And Bonesetter)

Census:

Household Members:
1 male, age 5 and under 10
1 male, age 20 and under 30
1 male, age 30 and under 40
2 females under 5
1 female, age 5 and under 10
1 female age 30 and under 40

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 40
Hannah Wilson 42
James Wilson 19
Maryette Wilson 17
Sarah Wilson 15
Ida Wilson 12
Maria Wilson 9
Edward Wilson 6
Jane Wilson 3
Sally Baker 65
Harvey Smith 40

Migrated:
Came To Winona County, New Hartford Twnshp From Clinton County, New York

Census:

Household Members:
J. G. Wilson 47
Sarah Wilson 47
Wm. Wilson 18
Geo. A. Wilson 14
Judson Wilson 12
Sarah Wilson 10
Frances Wilson 7
John Wilson 6
Delbert Wilson 3
E. L. Wilson 71

James married Sarah Brown on 6 Apr 1852 in , Clinton County, New York, USA. Sarah (daughter of Charles Brown and Sarah Newton) was born on 20 Jun 1833; died on 12 Apr 1902 in , Winona County, Minnesota, USA; was buried in New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA, Dakota Village, Wilson Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: 5E320724E89D49659E1407C160132A353AB7
• Census: 15 Jun 1880, New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA; 1880 Federal

Notes:

Census:

Household Members:
J. G. Wilson 47
Sarah Wilson 47
Wm. Wilson 18
Geo. A. Wilson 14
Judson Wilson 12
Sarah Wilson 10
Frances Wilson 7
John Wilson 6
Delbert Wilson 3
E. L. Wilson 71

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: B7A6DCF0CD254F088AE797FF627FD7E011AC

Gustave + Melinda Sheridan. Melinda was born in Unknown; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: 4E9A5E4F29AE4EE5A5238197FF03AB578354

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: 9KFM-7K2
• _UID: E3A684961C8F4C7FBADB368D15BF1B20805D
• Census: 1840, Plattsburg, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1840 Federal
• Census: 13 Sep 1850, Chazy, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1850 Federal
• Occupation: 1860, Altona, Clinton County, New York, USA; Farmer
• Census: 27 Dec 1860, Altona, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1860 Federal
• Census: 18 Jun 1870, Antrim Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota , USA, Mahelia; 1870 Federal
• Census: 1 May 1875, Antrim Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota, USA; 1875 Minnesota State
• Census: 15 Jun 1880, New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA; 1880 Federal
• Census: 1 May 1885, New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA; 1885 Minnesota State

Notes:

Census:

Household Members:
1 male, age 5 and under 10
1 male, age 20 and under 30
1 male, age 30 and under 40
2 females under 5
1 female, age 5 and under 10
1 female age 30 and under 40

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 40
Hannah Wilson 42
James Wilson 19
Maryette Wilson 17
Sarah Wilson 15
Ida Wilson 12
Maria Wilson 9
Edward Wilson 6
Jane Wilson 3
Sally Baker 65
Harvey Smith 40

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 49
Hannah Wilson 52
Martha J Wilson 13
Charles Roberts 5
Sally Baker 75

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 63
Hannah Wilson 62
Edward Wilson 26

Census:

Household Members:
Edward L. Wilson 63
Hannah Wilson 65

Census:

Household Members:
J. G. Wilson
Sarah Wilson
Wm. Wilson
Geo. A. Wilson
Judson Wilson
Sarah Wilson
Frances Wilson
Delbert Wilson
E. L. Wilson

Census:

Household Members:
Andrew Allen 43
Ida Allen 48
Alda Gilbert 21
Edward Wilson 78
Lizza Allen 10

Edward + Hannah Guynnup. Hannah (daughter of Birchard Guynnup and Sarah "Sally" Jones) was born on 6 Oct 1807 in , , Vermont, USA; died on 24 May 1882 in New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA; was buried in New Hartford Township, Winona County, Minnesota, USA, Dakota Village, Wilson Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: AC59CF5DC38C448BA7A2F58F07A404E6B1DA
• Census: 1840, Plattsburg, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1840 Federal
• Census: 13 Sep 1850, Chazy, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1950 Federal
• Census: 27 Dec 1860, Altona, Clinton County, New York, USA; 1860 Federal
• Census: 18 Jun 1870, Antrim Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota , USA, Mahelia; 1870 Federal
• Census: 1 May 1875, Antrim Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota, USA; 1875 Minnesota State
• Census: 19 Jun 1880, Rapidan, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, USA; 1880 Federal

Notes:

Census:

Household Members:
1 male, age 5 and under 10
1 male, age 20 and under 30
1 male, age 30 and under 40
2 females under 5
1 female, age 5 and under 10
1 female age 30 and under 40

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 40
Hannah Wilson 42
James Wilson 19
Maryette Wilson 17
Sarah Wilson 15
Ida Wilson 12
Maria Wilson 9
Edward Wilson 6
Jane Wilson 3
Sally Baker 65
Harvey Smith 40

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 49
Hannah Wilson 52
Martha J Wilson 13
Charles Roberts 5
Sally Baker 75

Census:

Household Members:
Edward Wilson 63
Hannah Wilson 62
Edward Wilson 26

Census:

Household Members:
Edward L. Wilson 63
Hannah Wilson 65

Census:

Household Members:
M. Holcomb 47
Richard Holcomb 19
Delbert Holcomb 10
Jenny Holcomb 5
Hannah Wilson 72

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: D11F73FB47D142228092BB14D45D7DB821DC
• Alt. Birth: 9 Jul 1791
• Sold Property: 13 Dec 1855, Granville, Washington County, New York, USA; the Jonathan Brown Farm to his son, Leonard Brown,
• Alt. Death: 17 Jul 1870

Charles married Sarah Newton on 22 Dec 1814 in , , Vermont, USA. Sarah (daughter of Lemuel Newton and Susannah Goodell) was born on 11 Sep 1789 in , , Vermont, USA; died on 2 Mar 1848 in Altona, Clinton County, New York, USA; was buried in Altona, Clinton County, New York, USA, Highland (Douglass) Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _UID: B4B6BAC7CBDA4F45AD07E86A31C6D36155CE