H.E. Willson was born in Cherokee county, Texas, in 1858, and received his education at different places in Texas. At the age of twenty years he entered the printing office of the Belton Courier, under his brother, P.O. Willson, and there learned his trade. In 1886 he came to Taylor, and formed a partnership with his brother. Mr. Willson was married in 1886, to Miss Ida Ross, a daughter of Mat and Catherine (Maxey) Ross. Her grandfather was one of the pioneer judges of the State and Republic of Texas, and was well known in the early history of this State. Our subject and wife have five children: Harold, Ross M., Elizabeth L., Margery and one unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Willson are members of the Baptist Church, and the former also affiliates with the K. of H. From History of Texas : together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties, 1893
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Editor Willson of the Rockdale Messenger gives notice as follows: "I leave today to be gone from Rockdale for some weeks. During my absence the Messenger will be in charge of Messrs. Ernest Ramsey and Walter Smith." One gathers from this that Editor Willson is a prospective candidate for Congress and does not care to be held responsible for every "bull" or "break" that may be made by others. Dallas Morning News, July 31, 1901
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Death of Howard E. Willson. Editor of Many Years' Standing Dies at Rockdale. Special to The News. Taylor, Tex., April 19. -- Editor Howard E. Willson of the Rockdale Messenger, aged 45, a son of H.I. Willson of the Taylor Texan, died at his home in Rockdale last night of acute nasal catarrh, leaving a widow and four children, two sons and two daughters. Deceased was a vigorous writer, a Christian gentleman and was well and favorably known to the press of Texas, having edited the Taylor Texan for fourteen years prior to purchasing the Rockdale Messenger several years ago. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and Knights of Pythias lodge of that city. The remains were buried with Pythian honors at Rockdale this afternoon at 3 o'clock. Dallas Morning News, April 20, 1906
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Rockdale Reporter. Death - Howard E. Willson died at his home in this city [Rockdale] on Wednesday, April 18th at 10 p.m. He had been in failing health for the past 2-years and several weeks ago had gone to Houston for treatment in a well-known sanitarium. A week ago he became suddenly ill and his death was expected. Editor Willson of the Rockdale Messenger leaves a widow and four children. Cameron Herald, April 26, 1906
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From his Texas certificate of death
Name: Howard Evan Willson
Death Date: 18 Apri 1906 at 10 P.M.
Death Place: Rockdale, Milam County, Texas
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 48 years
Place of Residence: Rockdale
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