Thomas Edwin Wilson

 b. 1886 d. 1917

The pensive young man can not know that soon he will die an unpleasant death in a tent just beyond the porch. The information below is pieced together from family stories.

This is Mamie Wilson Jackson's brother Edwin Wilson. He was a Presbyterian minister and lived a short tragic life. He was engaged to marry a young lady in Batesville, Arkansas, where he had attended Arkansas College (now Lyon College).  He traveled by train from Hope to Batesville for the wedding, but changed his mind and remained on the train. As both the intended bride and groom were from prominent families there was a scandal. Edwin decided to volunteer for the Presbyterian missionary service and was sent to Korea. He contracted a fatal disease in Korea and was sent home. For fear the disease was contagious he was housed until his death in the tent seen in the picture Phil posted on Facebook.

This picture of  Mamie and brother Edwin was taken at the rear of the house. The scrap book inscription written by Mamie is "What?  What?" The well dressed Edwin is obviously depressed and young Mamie looks apprehensive.