Jan Long

The Footprints of a Wisconsin Lumber Executive: the Life of William Wilson, His Family, and the Company He Founded Jan Long

When one studies the history of Wisconsin, it is impossible to ignore the significant role played by the lumber industry during the Nineteenth Century. Down through the years, many authors have discussed the history of the lumber industry in Wisconsin during this era. No discussion of this subject is complete without reference to the dynamic impact of The Knapp, Stout & Co. Company and its founder, William Wilson...due to its dominating role in the industry. Consequently, many authors have referenced this company and its founder. However, up to this point, no book has been exclusively devoted to this famed company, and its founder. This volume tells the compelling story of William Wilson, who built a world class lumber empire in the woods of Wisconsin. It collects this secondary information, that is, the relevant published accounts of this company and its founder, weaving it together with primary sources. In the end, we have a volume which brings into shaper focus, the history of Northwestern Wisconsin's Red Cedar Valley, and the forces which forever modified the geographical character of the region.