William Wilson: Pioneer Entrepreneur

"... few men in the Canadian West were better informed upon financial matters." (Victoria Daily Times, editorial upon death of William Wilson, 1922).

"... a leading member of the [B.C. Legislative] Assembly, and... one whom I esteemed as a friend of my own of many years standing." (Amor De Cosmos, speaking of William Wilson in 1883).

William Wilson came to Victoria during the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1862 and opened a clothing store. Fifty years later, he was a millionaire with investments in many areas of British Columbia's economy.

A careful examination of records that were largely overlooked by previous writers of B.C. political history has revealed that William Wilson played an important and hitherto unappreciated role in early provincial politics. This biography should appeal to any reader with an interest in early British Columbia business, politics or families.