"Born May 27, 1896, the son of John H. and Rachel O. Wilson at Richmond, Va.
Took private lessons from local professor in Richmond, Va studying the piano, beginning at the age of 7, and continuing until my graduation from High School at the age of 17.
Graduated from the Armstrong High School, Richmond, Va 1913
Attended Van De Vyver College -Richmond Va studying automobile and Pipe Organ.
Attended Union University, Richmond Va, specializing in Latin and French.
Attended Howard University, Washington, D. C., graduating from the school of Commerce and Business. During summer vacations while studying at Howard was employed as a Pullman Porter out of the New York Central District.
Came to Ithaca as Secretary to Robert E. Treman in May 1919.
Superintendent of the St. James A. M. E. Zion Sunday School for three years - Ithaca, N. Y.
Trustee of the St. James A. M. E. Zion Church -Ithaca, N.Y.
Organist of the St. James A. M. E. Zion Church for ten years under Harry Green as choir master. Served in this capacity under the following ministers - Rev. J. C. Walters, Rev.
Joseph Gamer, Rev. Gorham, Rev. H. J. Johnson, Rev. H. J. Johnson and Rev. D. M. Byrd. Gave up this position in 1933.
Voluntarily enlisted in the World War at Richmond Va in 1917. Was sent to Fort Wayne, Michigan where I was assigned to the office staff as typist. Later was assigned to the Battalion Band as leader, and assisted in the teaching of French.
Earl[y] one morning, while stationed at Fort Wayne a new officer came to our post - Captain Robert E. Treman of Ithaca, N. Y. a very dignified, considerate and kind hearted office. On this particular morning I was instructing the band, but the new Captain wished a stenographer at once, and I was assigned to serve him. His letters all seemed to be addressed to Ithaca N. Y. and I became curious and in inquired of him who he knew in Ithaca. He replied "almost everyone". This made me feel very close to Captain Treman as my mother and father (John H and Rachel Wilson had been employed for a number of years by the J. B. Williams family of Cliff Park, Ithaca, N. Y. as Coachman and Cook respectively. I wrote my mother who my new Captain was, and she in turn corresponded with the Williams’ who answered her speaking very highly of Captain Treman and telling her I was in good hands. This I found to be true. After
months of work with Captain Treman I was finally made a Sargeant, and then orders came for us to leave Fort Wayne with our destination set for Langley Field , Va., where later I was made Sargeant Major, holding this rank until I was discharged During our sojourn in Langley Field Captain Treman and I became separated, he having been detached and ordered abroad with another command. After Major Treman left us, I heard no more of him until one day I received a letter from him concerning a position in Ithaca. This was in 1919. We kept corresponding and finally one morning late in May 1919, I received a telegram from him asking me to meet him in
New York City to take my new position with him. At that time I was bookkeeper and Stenographer for Robert C. Scott, my counsin and an undertaker in Richmond , Va. which position I gave up to come to Ithaca.
I finally reached New York, and after talk with Mr. R. H. Treman, and Major Treman in the Hotel Vanderbilt we packed off for Ithaca, and In june 1919 I took office in the old building of Treman King & Company. I witnessed the big Treman King & Company fire of 1921 in which the old building was totally destroyed. I was called by Mrs. Treman around 4:30 A. M. in the morning, the fire breaking out on May 4, 1921,
and rushed uptown in order to secure some papers of Major Treman’s. I got in the building and to my desk, and had just left the building when the whole West side cracked through brining with it tons of sheet metal Machinery. A very narrow escape.
The recommendtion given Major Treman by the J. B. Williams family concerning my family, and the high regard in which Majory Treman was held by everyone who knew him was, I believe, responsible for our mutual friendship, and the position which I received from him.
On December 23, 1919 married Corinne H. Hudson, the daughter of John H. and Fannie Hudson of Richmond, Va. Have three children -Charles H. Wilson , a daughter Irene C. Wilson and Maurice R. Wilson. After marriage resided for a number of years in the Jasper Woodsin house at 516 N. Albany Street, and at present reside in my own home at 701 W. Green St., Ithaca, N.Y.
My hobbies consists of music and reading, and spend most of my evenings playing piano with bands, practicing the piano at home and occasionally serving with some church as organist.
Fraternities affiliated with – The Masons – American Legion"
Charles O. Wilson, WPA Oral History Biographies, V16-1-7, courtesy The History Center in Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY.