On July 1, the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame will honor the memory and achievements of William H. Wilson, a renowned breeder of American Standardbred horses in the 19th century.

Wilson (1837-1892) was born in Whiteside County, and we would like word of his induction into harness racing’s Hall of Immortals to reach your readers in the hope that members of his family still live in the area and would want to be aware of and possibly wish to attend the ceremony.

After growing up in Chicago, Wilson went west at the age of 15, where he became a self-made man. He began to handle horses and was successful in trading and commission dealing, and in so doing became a good horse trainer and occasional driver.