Bill Wilson Sr. and Elsie Wilson

Bill J. Wilson, Sr. was born in Dundas Bay, Alaska at his parent's fishing camp on June 1, 1901 and was promoted to glory on June 1, 1975. In Dundas Bay, there was a fish cannery and many people had fish camps there. When they were not working in the cannery, the people worked on drying fish and different kinds of meat. Bill worked in fish camps all his life.

Bill enjoyed fighting as an amateur boxer. He boxed mostly in Hoonah and Juneau. One day on the 4th of July in Juneau, a U.S. Navy battleship was in Juneau for the holiday. On board they had the heavy weight champion of the Navy. His brother-in-law, Robert Hanson came by Bill and told him, “I bet all my money on you. So go get him.” William “Chops” Dick was Bill’s handler. The fight started and after the first round Bill told Chops, “I am going to knock him out in the third round. Go bet all our money.” That champ had never been knocked out. One minute into the third round, Bill knocked him out.

Bill learned how to carve totems and engrave bracelets and rings from his father Jacob Wilson. Jacob was a very good artist. In adulthood, Bill developed his carving skills and became a master silversmith. His pieces became highly sought after, from locals to national dignitaries such as Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower, the wife of United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bill’s parents divorced and later his mother Mary married Lincoln Gordon. Mary and Lincoln were married until Lincoln’s passing. 

As an adult Bill became a seine boat captain and became a very successful captain. He knew how to fish the Inian Islands area and the inside waters. Before and after the salmon season Bill would fish for halibut. He was also a very good trapper. When there was no fishing and he wasn’t fighting, Bill worked wherever he could find work. One time he worked as a police officer. Hoonah had no police cars, so he did a lot of foot patrol. One day Elsie saw him patrolling and she commented, “Look at him, walking like he owns the town, acting so tough. I can’t stand him.” About one year later they were married. Elsie had one child, a daughter named Emily and together they had five more children, Bill Jr., Starina, Barbara, Nina and Harlena.