H0092
The study's number for this person. Cite it and it will always lead here, whatever the spelling.Odis Alfred Wilson
Born at Noel in 1913 and died at Aberdeen in 1996.
born 8 Oct 1913 at Noel, McDonald died 22 Feb 1996 at Aberdeen, Grays Harbor
Life story
Missouri and Oklahoma
Odis Alfred Wilson was born on 8 October 1913 at Noel, in McDonald County, Missouri, the fifth child of James Israel Wilson and Lucy M. Harris.1–2 His parents were then farming in Elk River Township, around Noel, and a few years later they moved a few miles west into Delaware County, Oklahoma. In January 1920 "Odis A.", six, was one of nine children on the family's farm in the Bernice precinct, with his brothers Cyril, Tulla, Floyd and Woodrow and his sisters Helen, Ruth, Jewel and Millie.3
Grays Harbor
About 1923 the family moved to Grays Harbor, on the Washington coast, and Odis lived there for the remaining seventy-three years of his life.1 In April 1930, sixteen and single, he was living with his parents in a rented house at Junction, in Grays Harbor County, with Floyd, Ruth, Woodrow, Millie and the youngest, Roy.4 He had gone as far as the ninth grade.1
On 29 August 1939, at Aberdeen, Odis married Genevieve, who had been born at South Bend, in Pacific County, in 1918. The licence had been issued the day before, and the Rev. F. E. Christer [?], pastor of the Church of God, married them; Odis's brother Tulla and his sister Ruth Bunker were the witnesses. The bride signed the certificate "Genevieve Watson"; Find a Grave knows her as Genevieve Helen Valancourt (see Research Notes).5–7 These were Depression years on the harbor. In April 1940 Odis and Genevieve, with their baby daughter (living), were renting a house at 506 West Market Street in Aberdeen for $10 a month. Odis, who had lived in Aberdeen in 1935 as well, was a tender on a government road project; he had found only five weeks' work in 1939.8 When he registered for the draft on 16 October 1940 Odis, twenty-seven, was working on a W.P.A. project in Aberdeen. The registrar described him as 5 feet 7 inches tall and 140 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion, and he named Genevieve as his next of kin.2 He did not serve in the armed forces.1 By April 1950 he was driving a truck for a construction company, and he and Genevieve had six children at home, a daughter and five sons (living or presumed living), in an apartment on the Aberdeen street indexed as "Conger morgan".9 When his brother Woodrow died in 1966, Odis, "of Aberdeen", was the only brother named among the survivors.10
“.9 When his brother Woodrow died in 1966, Odis,”
For most of his working life, according to his death certificate, Odis worked on street maintenance for the City of Aberdeen. He and Genevieve made their home at 1011 Cleveland Street.1
Death
Odis died at home on the morning of 22 February 1996, at the age of eighty-two, of lung cancer. Genevieve gave the particulars for his death certificate.1, 11–12 Four days later, on 26 February, he was buried in Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, the resting place of his parents and of his brothers Roy and Woodrow (see their profiles). Genevieve, who died in King County on 11 February 1999, was buried there too.1, 7, 13–15
What we know
Proven
- Birth at Noel, 1913
- Marriage to Genevieve Helen Valancourt at Aberdeen, 1939
- Occupation at Aberdeen, 1940
- Military service at Aberdeen, 1940
- Occupation at Aberdeen, 1940
- Occupation at Aberdeen, 1950
- and 4 more
- 8 homes, from the census and other records
What's still open
- His wife's death. Find a Grave gives Genevieve Helen (Valancourt) Wilson, born 23 Jun 1918 at South Bend, Pacific County, died in 1999 in King County, buried at Fern Hill.
- Sources. His death certificate has been read on the image (Washington State Digital Archives, 27 Sep 2026); the draft card, the SSDI, the Washington death index and the cemetery record were read as indexes on 27 Sep 2026.
Sources
Sources 1–2
1 Washington State Department of Health, Certificate of Death, 1996
Washington State Department of Health, Certificate of Death, state file no. 146 6 02929 (1996), local file no. 078, Odis Alfred Wilson: died February 22, 1996, at 10:00, at home, 1011 Cleveland Street, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County; residence 1011 Cleveland, Aberdeen, 73 years in the county; male; born Oct. 8, 1913, Noel, Missouri; age 82; married, surviving spouse Genevieve; not in the armed forces; education 9th grade; usual occupation street maintenance, City of Aberdeen; Caucasian; father James I. Wilson; mother Lucy Harris; informant Genevieve Wilson, 1011 Cleveland, Aberdeen; cause lung cancer, due to chronic obstructive lung disease, due to pneumonia; certified by Dr. Barbara Givens, Aberdeen; burial Feb. 26, 1996, Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen; Fern Hill Funeral Home; received 22 February 1996; "Department of Health, Death Certificates, July 1, 1907–2001," image, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives (digitalarchives.wa.gov/Record/View/D972520D77F3B3C74CFC080E198ED391), accessed 27 September 2026.
2 U.S., WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1913
"U.S., WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947," database with images, Ancestry.com, Odis Alfred Wilson, registered 16 October 1940, Washington; residence Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County; age 27; born 8 October 1913, McDonald [County], Missouri; employer W P A Project; white; 5 ft 7 in, 140 lb, dark complexion, brown hair, brown eyes; next of kin Genevieve Helen Wilson, wife (index read 27 September 2026; the card image not viewed).
Source 3
3 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Township 5
1920 U.S. Federal Census, Township 5 (Bernice precinct), Delaware County, Oklahoma, E.D. 22, sheet 10A, lines 17–27, enumerated 29–30 January 1920, "Elza W Willson" (son, 2, born Missouri) in the household of James I. Willson (head, 37, born Arkansas; farm), with Lucy M. (wife, 35, born Missouri) and their children Cyril (15), Tulla D. (13), Hellen A. (12), Floyd P. (10), Odis A. (6), Ruth E. (4), Jewel L. (3), Elza W. (2) and Millie M. (under one year), all born Missouri; NARA T625, roll 1458; image 4385099_00298; database with images, Ancestry.com.
Source 4
4 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Junction
1930 U.S. Federal Census, Junction, Grays Harbor County, Washington, E.D. 45, sheet 2A, dwelling 31, family 34, "Elzie W Wilson" (son, 13, born Oklahoma, attending school) in the household of James I. Wilson (head, 48), with Lucy M. (wife, 45) and their children Floyd P. (19), Odis A. (16), Ruth E. (14), Elzie W. (13), Millie M. (10) and Roy K. (9); FHL microfilm 2342222; database with images, Ancestry.com (index read).
Sources 5–7
5 Grays Harbor County, Washington, 1939
Grays Harbor County, Washington, Certificate of Marriage no. 13140: "I hereby certify, that on the 29 day of August" 1939, at Aberdeen, by authority of a licence dated 28 August 1939 issued by the County Auditor of Grays Harbor County, I joined in lawful wedlock O. A. Wilson of Grays Harbor County and Genevieve Watson of Grays Harbor County; officiant Rev. F. E. Christer [?], Pastor, Church of God; witnesses Tulla D. Wilson and Ruth Bunker; signed "Odis A. Wilson" and "Genevieve Watson"; "Grays Harbor County Auditor, Marriage Records," image, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, document swgrhmc13140 (digitalarchives.wa.gov/Record/View/988DA99C69ED7C6B129DACE4820DDC33), downloaded and read 27 September 2026.
6 Washington, U.S., Marriage Records, 1939
"Washington, U.S., Marriage Records, 1854–2013," database with images, Ancestry.com, Odis A Wilson, married 29 August 1939, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington; spouse Genevieve Watson; Washington State Archives reference swgrhmc13140 (record 599329; index read and image viewed 27 September 2026).
7 U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s–Current, 1918
"U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s–Current," database, Ancestry.com, Genevieve Helen Valancourt [so indexed; her maiden and married names are swapped], born 23 June 1918, South Bend, Pacific County, Washington; died 1999, King County, Washington; Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen; spouse Odis Alfred Wilson; Find a Grave memorial 160724504 (findagrave.com/memorial/160724504) (index read 27 September 2026). The memorial itself (read 27 September 2026) styles her Genevieve Helen Wilson Valancourt, plot 11/21/10th, with the inscription "Married Aug. 29, 1938 / Wife Mom Grandma"; no children linked.
Source 8
8 1940 U.S. Federal Census, Aberdeen, 1935
1940 U.S. Federal Census, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington, E.D. 14-19, sheet 7B, household 161, 506 West Market [Street], rented, $10 a month: "Otis Wilson" [indexed also "Ottis"] (head, white, male, married, age indexed 36 [he was 26], birthplace indexed "Wyoming" [Missouri]; same place [Aberdeen] in 1935; "Torl [tool?] Tender", road project, government work; 35 hours; 5 weeks worked and $441 income in 1939; 8th grade), Genevieve Wilson (wife, 21) and a daughter (6/12; living) (record 67441251; index read 27 September 2026; image not read).
Source 9
9 1950 U.S. Federal Census, Aberdeen, 1905
1950 U.S. Federal Census, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington, dwelling 350, 1905 "Conger morgan" [street as indexed], apartment "m": Otis A Wilson (head, white, male, married, 36, born about 1914, Missouri; truck driver, construction company; private worker; 48 hours), Genieve H Wilson (wife, 31), a daughter (10) and five sons (9, 6, 6, 4 and 0) (all living; not named here) (record 66379231; index read 27 September 2026; image not read).
Source 10
10 The News Tribune, 1966
"Man Found Dead In His Auto," The News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington), 4 November 1966, p. 40 (C-14): Woodrow E. Wilson, 49, of Puyallup, who came to the area from Aberdeen in September, was found dead Thursday afternoon [3 November]; born in Oklahoma, he came to the Northwest as a boy; millworker for the Weyerhaeuser Company's White River mill at Enumclaw; Army veteran of World War II; survived by his wife, two sons and five daughters [names withheld: living], three sisters, Mrs. Clarence Fulbright and Mrs. Joe Pearson, both of Aberdeen, and Mrs. Ruth Martin, of Westport, a brother, Otis, of Aberdeen, and six grandchildren; services to be announced by the Powers Wrigley Clements Funeral Home, Puyallup; image, Newspapers.com (newspapers.com/image/734891548).
Sources 11–12
11 Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1913
"Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1907–2017," database, Ancestry.com, Odis Alfred Wilson, male, white, age 82, born 8 October 1913, Noel, Missouri; died 22 February 1996, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington; certificate 6 02929; father James I Wilson; mother Lucy Harris; spouse Genevieve (index read 27 September 2026).
12 U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1913
"U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935–2014," database, Ancestry.com, Odis A. Wilson, born 8 October 1913; died 22 February 1996; last residence 98520, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington; number issued in Washington before 1951 (index read 27 September 2026).
Sources 13–15
13 Washington, U.S., Cemetery Records, 1996
"Washington, U.S., Cemetery Records, 1850–2012," database, Ancestry.com, citing Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, cemetery records: "Odis, Sr. Wilson", died about 1996, buried 1996, Fern Hill Cemetery, Grays Harbor County, Washington; section 11/20/10th; funeral home Fern Hill; reference Hrp-Cem-Grh-Fern-Hill_024314 (index read 27 September 2026).
14 Find a Grave, memorial 160724503, 1913
Find a Grave, memorial 160724503, Odis Alfred Wilson Sr., born 8 October 1913, McDonald County, Missouri; died 22 February 1996, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County; Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen; father James Israel Wilson; mother Lucy M. Wilson; spouse Genevieve Helen Valancourt; no biography (findagrave.com/memorial/160724503); as indexed in "U.S., Find a Grave Index," Ancestry.com, record 131437194 (index read 27 September 2026).
15 Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1999
"Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1907–2017," database, Ancestry.com, Genevieve Wilson, died 11 February 1999, King County; residence Grays Harbor County (record 2935325; search-result line read 27 September 2026); and "Web: Obituary Daily Times Index," Ancestry.com, "Genevieve H Wilson [(Valencourt) (Laduck) Wilson]", age 80, born about 1919, died about 1999, Seattle, published 15 February 1999 (record 23492568; the newspaper not named; the obituary itself not found).
More sources are in the evidence below.
Life in time
8 Oct 1913
Birth , Noel, McDonald, Missouri, United States
How we know
Noel is named on his death certificate and in the Washington death index; his draft card gives McDonald County.
His Washington death certificate (read on the image), for which his wife was the informant, gives 8 Oct 1913 at Noel, Missouri. His own draft registration (1940) gives 8 Oct 1913 in McDonald County, Missouri, and the SSDI and the Washington death index give the same date. His ages in 1920 (6) and 1930 (16) fit, and his parents were farming in Elk River Township, around Noel, from 1903 to at least 1915.
1920
Residence , Delaware County, Oklahoma, United States
How we know
Township 5 (Bernice precinct), E.D. 22, sheet 10A; a farm family, enumerated 29–30 Jan 1920. Son "Odis A.", 6, born Missouri, in the household of James I. and Lucy M. Willson, with eight brothers and sisters.
His parents and brothers and sisters identify him. The 1920 image was read in the survey of his brother Woodrow's records.
1930
Residence , Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States
How we know
"Junction" (E.D. 45), sheet 2A, dwelling 31, family 34. Son "Odis A.", 16, single, in the household of his parents, James I. and Lucy M. Wilson, with Floyd, Ruth, Woodrow, Millie and Roy.
His parents and five brothers and sisters of the 1920 household identify him. Index entry attached to him in the family tree; image not re-read.
1935
Residence , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
His residence on 1 Apr 1935, from the 1940 census ("same place", Aberdeen).
The residence-in-1935 column of his 1940 census line (index read).
29 Aug 1939
Marriage, with Genevieve Helen Valancourt , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
Grays Harbor County certificate of marriage no. 13140 (Digital Archives document swgrhmc13140), read on the image: married at Aberdeen by Rev. F. E. Christer [?], pastor of the Church of God, under a licence of 28 Aug 1939 from the Grays Harbor County auditor. The groom signed "Odis A. Wilson"; the bride, of Grays Harbor County, signed "Genevieve Watson". Witnesses Tulla D. Wilson and Ruth Bunker, his brother and sister. WikiTree's 1938 and her gravestone's "Married Aug. 29, 1938" are a year out.
The marriage certificate itself, read on the image, gives 29 Aug 1939 at Aberdeen, with the licence of 28 Aug 1939, and was signed by both parties and by two of his brother and sister as witnesses; Ancestry's index agrees. In April 1940 Genevieve, 21, was his wife at Aberdeen; on his draft card of 16 Oct 1940 he named his wife, Genevieve Helen Wilson, as next of kin; his death certificate of 1996 names his surviving spouse Genevieve; and Find a Grave links her memorial to his.
1940
Residence , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
506 West Market Street (E.D. 14-19, sheet 7B, household 161), rented at $10 a month. Head, married, with his wife Genevieve, 21, and an infant daughter (living).
His wife Genevieve, 21, and the daughter who was still in his household in 1950 identify him, although the index gives his age as 36 and his birthplace as "Wyoming" (see Research Notes); index read 27 Sep 2026, image not read.
1940
Occupation , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
"Torl [tool?] Tender" on a road project, government work; 35 hours in the census week; 5 weeks worked and $441 earned in 1939.
His line of the 1940 census (index). His draft card of Oct 1940 gives a W.P.A. project.
16 Oct 1940
Military service , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
WWII draft registration. Age 27; 5 ft 7 in, 140 lb, dark complexion, brown hair, brown eyes; next of kin his wife, Genevieve Helen Wilson. His death certificate says he never served in the armed forces.
His own draft card (index read). The "no" in the armed-forces box of his death certificate shows that the registration did not lead to service.
16 Oct 1940
Residence , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
Residence at his draft registration.
The residence on his draft card (index read).
16 Oct 1940
Occupation , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
Employed on a W.P.A. project (draft card).
The employer box of his draft card, as indexed.
1950
Residence , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
1905 "Conger morgan" [street as indexed], Aberdeen, dwelling 350. "Otis A." Wilson, head, 36, born Missouri, married, with his wife "Genieve H.", 31, a daughter, 10, and five sons, aged 9 to under one (all living; not named).
His initial A., his age and Missouri birth, and his wife Genevieve H. identify him (index read 27 Sep 2026; image not read).
1950
Occupation , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
Truck driver for a construction company, 48 hours in the census week, a private worker.
His line of the 1950 census (index).
Nov 1966
Residence , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
"A brother, Otis, of Aberdeen", in his brother Woodrow's obituary.
The obituary of his brother Woodrow names one surviving brother, Otis, of Aberdeen; Odis is the only brother of that name.
before 22 Feb 1996
Occupation , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
Street maintenance, City of Aberdeen (usual occupation on his death certificate).
The usual-occupation and kind-of-business boxes of his death certificate. When he began with the city is not known.
before 22 Feb 1996
Education
How we know
Ninth grade (death certificate).
The education box of his death certificate, for which his wife was the informant.
before 22 Feb 1996
Residence , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
1011 Cleveland Street, Aberdeen; 73 years in Grays Harbor County (that is, since about 1923).
His residence and years in the county on his death certificate; the SSDI gives his last residence as Aberdeen.
22 Feb 1996
Death , Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
At home, 1011 Cleveland Street, at 10:00; aged 82. Cause: lung cancer, due to chronic obstructive lung disease, due to pneumonia. Washington death certificate, state file 02929 (1996).
His Washington death certificate (read on the image) gives the date, the place and the cause, with his birth date and birthplace, his parents James I. Wilson and Lucy Harris, and his wife Genevieve as informant. The Washington death index and the SSDI agree on the date.
26 Feb 1996
Burial , Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States
How we know
Section 11/20/10th [Addition] (cemetery record); Fern Hill Funeral Home. Find a Grave memorial 160724503 ("Odis Alfred Wilson Sr.").
The disposition section of his death certificate gives the date and cemetery; the Washington cemetery records give his section, and Find a Grave (index read) his memorial.
-
1913 Birth
Noel is named on his death certificate and in the Washington death index; his draft card gives McDonald County.
His Washington death certificate (read on the image), for which his wife was the informant, gives 8 Oct 1913 at Noel, Missouri. His own draft registration (1940) gives 8 Oct 1913 in McDonald County, Missouri, and the SSDI and the Washington death index give the same date. His ages in 1920 (6) and 1930 (16) fit, and his parents were farming in Elk River Township, around Noel, from 1903 to at least 1915.
-
1920 Residence
Township 5 (Bernice precinct), E.D. 22, sheet 10A; a farm family, enumerated 29–30 Jan 1920. Son "Odis A.", 6, born Missouri, in the household of James I. and Lucy M. Willson, with eight brothers and sisters.
His parents and brothers and sisters identify him. The 1920 image was read in the survey of his brother Woodrow's records.
Source 3
-
1930 Residence
"Junction" (E.D. 45), sheet 2A, dwelling 31, family 34. Son "Odis A.", 16, single, in the household of his parents, James I. and Lucy M. Wilson, with Floyd, Ruth, Woodrow, Millie and Roy.
His parents and five brothers and sisters of the 1920 household identify him. Index entry attached to him in the family tree; image not re-read.
Source 4
-
1935 Residence
His residence on 1 Apr 1935, from the 1940 census ("same place", Aberdeen).
The residence-in-1935 column of his 1940 census line (index read).
Source 8
-
1939 Marriage, with Genevieve Helen Valancourt
Grays Harbor County certificate of marriage no. 13140 (Digital Archives document swgrhmc13140), read on the image: married at Aberdeen by Rev. F. E. Christer [?], pastor of the Church of God, under a licence of 28 Aug 1939 from the Grays Harbor County auditor. The groom signed "Odis A. Wilson"; the bride, of Grays Harbor County, signed "Genevieve Watson". Witnesses Tulla D. Wilson and Ruth Bunker, his brother and sister. WikiTree's 1938 and her gravestone's "Married Aug. 29, 1938" are a year out.
The marriage certificate itself, read on the image, gives 29 Aug 1939 at Aberdeen, with the licence of 28 Aug 1939, and was signed by both parties and by two of his brother and sister as witnesses; Ancestry's index agrees. In April 1940 Genevieve, 21, was his wife at Aberdeen; on his draft card of 16 Oct 1940 he named his wife, Genevieve Helen Wilson, as next of kin; his death certificate of 1996 names his surviving spouse Genevieve; and Find a Grave links her memorial to his.
-
1940 Residence
506 West Market Street (E.D. 14-19, sheet 7B, household 161), rented at $10 a month. Head, married, with his wife Genevieve, 21, and an infant daughter (living).
His wife Genevieve, 21, and the daughter who was still in his household in 1950 identify him, although the index gives his age as 36 and his birthplace as "Wyoming" (see Research Notes); index read 27 Sep 2026, image not read.
Source 8
-
1940 Occupation
"Torl [tool?] Tender" on a road project, government work; 35 hours in the census week; 5 weeks worked and $441 earned in 1939.
His line of the 1940 census (index). His draft card of Oct 1940 gives a W.P.A. project.
Source 8
-
1940 Military service
WWII draft registration. Age 27; 5 ft 7 in, 140 lb, dark complexion, brown hair, brown eyes; next of kin his wife, Genevieve Helen Wilson. His death certificate says he never served in the armed forces.
His own draft card (index read). The "no" in the armed-forces box of his death certificate shows that the registration did not lead to service.
-
1940 Residence
-
1940 Occupation
-
1950 Residence
1905 "Conger morgan" [street as indexed], Aberdeen, dwelling 350. "Otis A." Wilson, head, 36, born Missouri, married, with his wife "Genieve H.", 31, a daughter, 10, and five sons, aged 9 to under one (all living; not named).
His initial A., his age and Missouri birth, and his wife Genevieve H. identify him (index read 27 Sep 2026; image not read).
Source 9
-
1950 Occupation
Truck driver for a construction company, 48 hours in the census week, a private worker.
His line of the 1950 census (index).
Source 9
-
1966 Residence
"A brother, Otis, of Aberdeen", in his brother Woodrow's obituary.
The obituary of his brother Woodrow names one surviving brother, Otis, of Aberdeen; Odis is the only brother of that name.
Source 10
-
1996 Occupation
Street maintenance, City of Aberdeen (usual occupation on his death certificate).
The usual-occupation and kind-of-business boxes of his death certificate. When he began with the city is not known.
Source 1
-
1996 Education
Ninth grade (death certificate).
The education box of his death certificate, for which his wife was the informant.
Source 1
-
1996 Death
At home, 1011 Cleveland Street, at 10:00; aged 82. Cause: lung cancer, due to chronic obstructive lung disease, due to pneumonia. Washington death certificate, state file 02929 (1996).
His Washington death certificate (read on the image) gives the date, the place and the cause, with his birth date and birthplace, his parents James I. Wilson and Lucy Harris, and his wife Genevieve as informant. The Washington death index and the SSDI agree on the date.
-
1996 Burial
Section 11/20/10th [Addition] (cemetery record); Fern Hill Funeral Home. Find a Grave memorial 160724503 ("Odis Alfred Wilson Sr.").
The disposition section of his death certificate gives the date and cemetery; the Washington cemetery records give his section, and Find a Grave (index read) his memorial.
- proven
Hover or drag along the line, or select a point and use the arrow keys.
Places in this life
5 places, in order- 1 Noel, McDonald County Birth 8 Oct 1913
- 2 Delaware County, Oklahoma Residence 1920
- 3 Grays Harbor County, Washington Residence 1930
- 4 Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County Residence 1935 · Marriage 29 Aug 1939 · Residence 1940 · 10 more
- 5 Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen Burial 26 Feb 1996
Hollow markers are placed approximately, at the town, county or region.
Family
Records
Search the archive →Deaths and burials
- 4 Nov 1966 confirmed Obituary of brother Woodrow “Otis [Wilson]”, brother Tacoma, Pierce County Newspapers.com · O06308
The evidence 18 facts with their grades, 16 sources, and the research notes
Facts
| Fact | Date | Place | Grade | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 8 Oct 1913 | Noel, McDonald, Missouri, United States | proven | 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 11 , 12 |
| Residence | 1920 | Delaware County, Oklahoma, United States | proven | 3 |
| Residence | 1930 | Grays Harbor County, Washington, United States | proven | 4 |
| Residence | 1935 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 8 |
| Marriage with Genevieve Helen Valancourt | 29 Aug 1939 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 |
| Residence | 1940 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 8 |
| Occupation | 1940 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 8 |
| Military service | 16 Oct 1940 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 1 , 2 |
| Residence | 16 Oct 1940 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 2 |
| Occupation | 16 Oct 1940 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 2 |
| Residence | 1950 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 9 |
| Occupation | 1950 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 9 |
| Residence | Nov 1966 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 10 |
| Occupation | before 22 Feb 1996 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 1 |
| Education | before 22 Feb 1996 | proven | 1 | |
| Residence | before 22 Feb 1996 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 1 , 12 |
| Death | 22 Feb 1996 | Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 1 , 11 , 12 |
| Burial | 26 Feb 1996 | Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington, United States | proven | 1 , 13 , 14 |
Research notes
- Identity: "Odis A.", 6, in 1920 and 16 in 1930 is a son of James I. and Lucy M. Wilson (Willson).3, 4 His death certificate and the Washington death index name his parents, James I. Wilson and Lucy Harris, and give his birth at Noel on 8 Oct 1913; his draft card gives the same date in McDonald County, and the SSDI the same date.1, 11, 2, 12 "Otis, of Aberdeen" is the only brother named in Woodrow's obituary of 1966, and Find a Grave links Woodrow's memorial to that of "Odis Alfred Wilson Sr. (1913–1996)".10, 16
- Name: The 1920 census spells the surname Willson, and the Ancestry tree uses Willson for him; every later record has Wilson.3, 1 "Otis" is the newspaper's spelling.10 "Sr." (cemetery record, Find a Grave) implies a son of the same name.13
- Birth: 8 Oct 1913. The death certificate and the Washington death index name Noel; his draft card gives McDonald County; the SSDI gives the date only.1, 11, 2, 12
- Coming to Grays Harbor: The death certificate's 73 years in the county dates the family's arrival to about 1923.1 His brother Roy's death certificate (1937) gives 13 years in Aberdeen, that is, about 1924 (see Roy's profile).
- Marriage (settled: 29 Aug 1939): The certificate of marriage, Grays Harbor County no. 13140 (Digital Archives document swgrhmc13140), was read on the image on 27 Sep 2026: married 29 Aug 1939 at Aberdeen, under a licence of 28 Aug 1939, by Rev. F. E. Christer [?], pastor of the Church of God; groom O. A. Wilson, signing "Odis A. Wilson"; bride Genevieve Watson, signing "Genevieve Watson", both of Grays Harbor County; witnesses Tulla D. Wilson and Ruth Bunker, his brother Tulla and his sister Ruth, then Mrs. Courtland Bunker (see her profile).5, 6 WikiTree (Valancourt-1) has 29 Aug 1938, and her gravestone reads "Married Aug. 29, 1938"; both are a year out, and the certificate prevails.7 By April 1940 she was his wife, and she was his widow in 1996.8, 2, 1
- His wife's surname: The bride of 1939, aged about 21, signed as Genevieve Watson, not Valancourt. Watson may have been her maiden name, an earlier married name (at 21 she could have been a widow or divorcee) or a stepfather's name; the study cannot yet say which.5 Find a Grave styles her Genevieve Helen Wilson Valancourt, and the Obituary Daily Times index of her death adds "(Valencourt) (Laduck)", which suggests Valancourt and Laduck may be later married names.7, 15 Her last name at birth (WikiTree's Valancourt) is doubtful until her birth record (South Bend, Pacific County, 1918) or the 1920 and 1930 censuses are found. See her profile.
- His wife's death: Find a Grave gives Genevieve Helen (Valancourt) Wilson, born 23 Jun 1918 at South Bend, Pacific County, died in 1999 in King County, buried at Fern Hill. The Washington death index gives 11 Feb 1999 in King County, with her residence in Grays Harbor County, so WikiTree's "Aberdeen" is her home, not the place of death.7, 15 Her obituary (published 15 Feb 1999, probably in a Seattle paper) has not been found.
- 1940 census: The index gives "Otis Wilson", 36, born "Wyoming", with his wife Genevieve, 21, and a daughter aged 6/12, at 506 West Market Street, Aberdeen. The age and birthplace disagree with every other record (26, Missouri), but the wife, the daughter (who is in his household in 1950) and the government road work (a W.P.A. project on his draft card six months later) identify him; the image should be read. The index's 8th grade also differs from the 9th grade on his death certificate.8, 2, 1
- Military service: He registered for the draft in 1940; the death certificate records no service in the armed forces.2, 1
- Children: The 1950 census lists six children at home: a daughter, 10, and five sons, aged 9, 6, 6, 4 and under one.9 The old family tree gives four of them (born 1939–1944). All are living or presumed living and are not named here. The death checks of 27 Sep 2026 found a probable, unproven death record (2016) for the daughter; she is still treated as living.
- Sources: His death certificate has been read on the image (Washington State Digital Archives, 27 Sep 2026); the draft card, the SSDI, the Washington death index and the cemetery record were read as indexes on 27 Sep 2026. His census facts come from the index entries attached to him in the Ancestry tree; the 1920 image was read in the survey of his brother Woodrow's records. His marriage certificate (1939) was read on the image; his own Find a Grave memorial (160724503) and the 1940 and 1950 censuses of Aberdeen were read as index entries on 27 Sep 2026 (their images have not been read).5, 14, 8, 9
Working notes
- AKA Willson
- Old tree 165462681 @I252151078168@ "Odis Alfred Wilson Sr."
- WA death cert 146 6 02929 (1996) read: b. Noel, Mo.; d. at home 1011 Cleveland St.; wife Genevieve; bur. Fern Hill 26 Feb 1996; Find a Grave 160724503
- M. Genevieve Valancourt 29 Aug 1939 Aberdeen (swgrhmc13140; WikiTree has 1938 - read the free image before changing)
- Marriage certificate 13140 read: 29 Aug 1939 Aberdeen, Church of God; witnesses Tulla D. Wilson and Ruth Bunker
Sources
- 1
Washington State Department of Health, Certificate of Death, state file no. 146 6 02929 (1996), local file no. 078, Odis Alfred Wilson: died February 22, 1996, at 10:00, at home, 1011 Cleveland Street, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County; residence 1011 Cleveland, Aberdeen, 73 years in the county; male; born Oct. 8, 1913, Noel, Missouri; age 82; married, surviving spouse Genevieve; not in the armed forces; education 9th grade; usual occupation street maintenance, City of Aberdeen; Caucasian; father James I. Wilson; mother Lucy Harris; informant Genevieve Wilson, 1011 Cleveland, Aberdeen; cause lung cancer, due to chronic obstructive lung disease, due to pneumonia; certified by Dr. Barbara Givens, Aberdeen; burial Feb. 26, 1996, Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen; Fern Hill Funeral Home; received 22 February 1996; "Department of Health, Death Certificates, July 1, 1907–2001," image, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives (digitalarchives.wa.gov/Record/View/D972520D77F3B3C74CFC080E198ED391), accessed 27 September 2026.
- 2
"U.S., WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947," database with images, Ancestry.com, Odis Alfred Wilson, registered 16 October 1940, Washington; residence Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County; age 27; born 8 October 1913, McDonald [County], Missouri; employer W P A Project; white; 5 ft 7 in, 140 lb, dark complexion, brown hair, brown eyes; next of kin Genevieve Helen Wilson, wife (index read 27 September 2026; the card image not viewed).
- 3
1920 U.S. Federal Census, Township 5 (Bernice precinct), Delaware County, Oklahoma, E.D. 22, sheet 10A, lines 17–27, enumerated 29–30 January 1920, "Elza W Willson" (son, 2, born Missouri) in the household of James I. Willson (head, 37, born Arkansas; farm), with Lucy M. (wife, 35, born Missouri) and their children Cyril (15), Tulla D. (13), Hellen A. (12), Floyd P. (10), Odis A. (6), Ruth E. (4), Jewel L. (3), Elza W. (2) and Millie M. (under one year), all born Missouri; NARA T625, roll 1458; image 4385099_00298; database with images, Ancestry.com.
- 4
1930 U.S. Federal Census, Junction, Grays Harbor County, Washington, E.D. 45, sheet 2A, dwelling 31, family 34, "Elzie W Wilson" (son, 13, born Oklahoma, attending school) in the household of James I. Wilson (head, 48), with Lucy M. (wife, 45) and their children Floyd P. (19), Odis A. (16), Ruth E. (14), Elzie W. (13), Millie M. (10) and Roy K. (9); FHL microfilm 2342222; database with images, Ancestry.com (index read).
- 5
Grays Harbor County, Washington, Certificate of Marriage no. 13140: "I hereby certify, that on the 29 day of August" 1939, at Aberdeen, by authority of a licence dated 28 August 1939 issued by the County Auditor of Grays Harbor County, I joined in lawful wedlock O. A. Wilson of Grays Harbor County and Genevieve Watson of Grays Harbor County; officiant Rev. F. E. Christer [?], Pastor, Church of God; witnesses Tulla D. Wilson and Ruth Bunker; signed "Odis A. Wilson" and "Genevieve Watson"; "Grays Harbor County Auditor, Marriage Records," image, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, document swgrhmc13140 (digitalarchives.wa.gov/Record/View/988DA99C69ED7C6B129DACE4820DDC33), downloaded and read 27 September 2026.
- 6
"Washington, U.S., Marriage Records, 1854–2013," database with images, Ancestry.com, Odis A Wilson, married 29 August 1939, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington; spouse Genevieve Watson; Washington State Archives reference swgrhmc13140 (record 599329; index read and image viewed 27 September 2026).
- 7
"U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s–Current," database, Ancestry.com, Genevieve Helen Valancourt [so indexed; her maiden and married names are swapped], born 23 June 1918, South Bend, Pacific County, Washington; died 1999, King County, Washington; Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen; spouse Odis Alfred Wilson; Find a Grave memorial 160724504 (findagrave.com/memorial/160724504) (index read 27 September 2026). The memorial itself (read 27 September 2026) styles her Genevieve Helen Wilson Valancourt, plot 11/21/10th, with the inscription "Married Aug. 29, 1938 / Wife Mom Grandma"; no children linked.
- 8
1940 U.S. Federal Census, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington, E.D. 14-19, sheet 7B, household 161, 506 West Market [Street], rented, $10 a month: "Otis Wilson" [indexed also "Ottis"] (head, white, male, married, age indexed 36 [he was 26], birthplace indexed "Wyoming" [Missouri]; same place [Aberdeen] in 1935; "Torl [tool?] Tender", road project, government work; 35 hours; 5 weeks worked and $441 income in 1939; 8th grade), Genevieve Wilson (wife, 21) and a daughter (6/12; living) (record 67441251; index read 27 September 2026; image not read).
- 9
1950 U.S. Federal Census, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington, dwelling 350, 1905 "Conger morgan" [street as indexed], apartment "m": Otis A Wilson (head, white, male, married, 36, born about 1914, Missouri; truck driver, construction company; private worker; 48 hours), Genieve H Wilson (wife, 31), a daughter (10) and five sons (9, 6, 6, 4 and 0) (all living; not named here) (record 66379231; index read 27 September 2026; image not read).
- 10
"Man Found Dead In His Auto," The News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington), 4 November 1966, p. 40 (C-14): Woodrow E. Wilson, 49, of Puyallup, who came to the area from Aberdeen in September, was found dead Thursday afternoon [3 November]; born in Oklahoma, he came to the Northwest as a boy; millworker for the Weyerhaeuser Company's White River mill at Enumclaw; Army veteran of World War II; survived by his wife, two sons and five daughters [names withheld: living], three sisters, Mrs. Clarence Fulbright and Mrs. Joe Pearson, both of Aberdeen, and Mrs. Ruth Martin, of Westport, a brother, Otis, of Aberdeen, and six grandchildren; services to be announced by the Powers Wrigley Clements Funeral Home, Puyallup; image, Newspapers.com (newspapers.com/image/734891548).
- 11
"Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1907–2017," database, Ancestry.com, Odis Alfred Wilson, male, white, age 82, born 8 October 1913, Noel, Missouri; died 22 February 1996, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington; certificate 6 02929; father James I Wilson; mother Lucy Harris; spouse Genevieve (index read 27 September 2026).
- 12
"U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935–2014," database, Ancestry.com, Odis A. Wilson, born 8 October 1913; died 22 February 1996; last residence 98520, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington; number issued in Washington before 1951 (index read 27 September 2026).
- 13
"Washington, U.S., Cemetery Records, 1850–2012," database, Ancestry.com, citing Washington State Archives, Digital Archives, cemetery records: "Odis, Sr. Wilson", died about 1996, buried 1996, Fern Hill Cemetery, Grays Harbor County, Washington; section 11/20/10th; funeral home Fern Hill; reference Hrp-Cem-Grh-Fern-Hill_024314 (index read 27 September 2026).
- 14
Find a Grave, memorial 160724503, Odis Alfred Wilson Sr., born 8 October 1913, McDonald County, Missouri; died 22 February 1996, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County; Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen; father James Israel Wilson; mother Lucy M. Wilson; spouse Genevieve Helen Valancourt; no biography (findagrave.com/memorial/160724503); as indexed in "U.S., Find a Grave Index," Ancestry.com, record 131437194 (index read 27 September 2026).
- 15
"Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1907–2017," database, Ancestry.com, Genevieve Wilson, died 11 February 1999, King County; residence Grays Harbor County (record 2935325; search-result line read 27 September 2026); and "Web: Obituary Daily Times Index," Ancestry.com, "Genevieve H Wilson [(Valencourt) (Laduck) Wilson]", age 80, born about 1919, died about 1999, Seattle, published 15 February 1999 (record 23492568; the newspaper not named; the obituary itself not found).
- 16
Find a Grave, memorial 43766012, Woodrow Elzer Wilson (29 Aug 1917 – 3 Nov 1966), Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington, plot 153/10/9th Addition; photograph of the marker by S Ragland; linked to the memorials of his parents, James Israel Wilson (1882–1941) and Lucy M. Harris Wilson (1883–1940), and his brother Odis Alfred Wilson Sr. (1913–1996) (findagrave.com/memorial/43766012). Indexed in "U.S., Find a Grave Index," Ancestry.com. The photograph is also shared in Ancestry member trees.