P.O. Willson was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1853. He was educated at different points throughout Texas. In 1872 he was employed in the printing offices of the Belton Journal, edited by Captain J.G. Batt, and there remained eight years. In 1880 he purchaed the Belton Courier, but two years afterward his office was destroyed by fire, and he lost his entire possessions accumulated during ten years. Mr. Willson then accepted a position on the Cameron Herald, and for three years was editor-in-chief of that paper. In 1885 he started a job printing office in Rockdale, and September 1, 1886, in company with his brother, H.E. Willson, he purchased the Taylor Texan, forming the present partnership of Willson Brothers. This paper was at first conducted in a small room over the National Bank, with a circulation of about 600, but in 1890 they erected their present magnificent two-story brick building on Broad street, where they now have one of the finest offices to be found in any small town in Central Texas. They have the celebrated Cranston steam power press. The building and machinery is valued at $20,000, and the entire outfit was purchased in 1886 for $750. The firm also owns considerable real estate in Taylor. Mr. Willson was married in 1883, to Miss Delia Goode, of Belton, Texas, a daughter of Dr. Goode, deceased, whose widow still resides in Belton. Mr. and Mrs. Willson have had four children; Roy, deceased; Herbert G.; Lottie and a babe unnamed. Mr. Willson is a member of the I.O.O.F., of this city, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. From History of Texas : together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties, 1893
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Taylor, Texas, Feb. 5. -- Parker Otwell Wilson, aged 61, the veteran editor of the Taylor Democrat and Weekly Texan, died at his home in Taylor this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Mr. Wilson was a prominent Odd Fellow, a member of the Maccabees and a deacon of the First Baptist Church at Taylor. He is survived by his widow and two children, Herbert G. Wilson of Taylor and Mrs. Bruce McCarty of Eagle Lake. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. Dallas Morning News, February 6, 1915
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After serving the public in the newspaper harness for a period extending over nearly forty years in this section, Mr. P.O. Wilson, owner of the Taylor Democrat, passed away at his home in Taylor last Friday. Mr. Wilson was an honor to the profession -- honorable, upright and righteous. He is survived by a widow, one son and a daughter, to whom the Tribune extends profound sympathy. The Bartlett Tribune and News, February 12, 1915
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