Robert L. Wilson Jr.
Robert Lourie Wilson Jr. was born on September 16, 1895, in Rye, New York, the son of Robert Wilson and Mary Lourie Leishman. He grew up during a period when Rye was still a small, largely rural community, transitioning from its agricultural roots into a more connected suburban town with the expansion of railroads and nearby industry. Raised in a large family, he was one of several children, including brothers John, James, and Charles Donald Wilson, and sisters Margaret and Mary. He was educated in the Rye public schools and spent his early life at the family home on North Street in Rye.
As a young man, Wilson came of age during a time of significant change in America. The early 20th century brought increasing industrialization, the rise of automobiles, and shifting economic opportunities in Westchester County. At the time of his World War I draft registration, he was single and employed as a laborer, residing at 216 North Street in Rye, and had no prior military service.
WORLD WAR I SERVICE
Following the United States’ entry into World War I, Wilson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 20, 1917, in New York City. After training at Parris Island and Quantico, he was deployed to France in March 1918 with the
5th Marines, part of the renowned
2nd Division.
Wilson served in several of the war’s most significant engagements, including the
Aisne Defensive,
Château-Thierry,
Marne Offensive,
the
Meuse-Argonne Offensive,
and operations in the
Champagne region.
During combat operations, he was wounded by a sniper while advancing through a contested village as German forces were being driven back. Reports at the time noted that his wound was clean and that his strong physical condition aided in his recovery, allowing him to return to duty. He later served with the Army of Occupation following the Armistice. For his service, he was awarded the
French Fourragère.
He was honorably discharged on August 13, 1919, as a Private First Class and returned home to Rye.
POSTWAR LIFE
Like many veterans, Wilson resumed civilian life during a period marked by both optimism and challenge. The 1920s brought economic growth, followed by the hardships of the Great Depression in the 1930s, which affected communities across Westchester County.
Wilson remained rooted in Rye throughout his life. He worked as a chauffeur and truck driver before becoming a self-employed landscape gardener. His work reflected the changing character of Rye, as estates, homes, and public spaces expanded in an increasingly suburban environment.
He was a member of the
American Legion and attended the Rye Presbyterian Church.
Robert L. Wilson Jr. died suddenly of a heart attack on March 29, 1962, at his home on North Street in Rye, New York, at the age of 66. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Ethel Adele Ganun; his brothers James Wilson of Greenwich and Charles Wilson of Rye; and his sisters Margaret Bailey of Brewster and Agnes McCarthy of the Bronx.
Name: Robert Lourie Wilson
Birth Place: Rye New York
Birth Date: 16 Sep 1895
Service Start Date: 20 Dec 1917
Service Start Place: New York City, New York
Service Start Age: 22
Name: Robert L Wilson
Age: 24
Birth Year: abt 1896
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1920: Rye, Westchester, New York
Street: North St
Residence Date: 1920
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital status: Single
Father's name: Robert Wilson
Father's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother's name: Mary L Wilson
Mother's Birthplace: Scotland
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Farmer
Industry: Country Pl
Employment Field: Wage or Salary
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Robert Wilson 57
Mary L Wilson 55
Robert L Wilson 24
Margaret L Wilson 22
John Wilson 20
James Wilson 17
Mary E Wilson 13
Charles D Wilson
Early Life
Robert Lourie Wilson Jr. was born on September 16, 1895, in Rye, New York, the son of Robert Wilson and Mary Lourie Leishman. A lifelong resident of Rye, he was raised on North Street in a large family and educated in the local school system. His early life reflects the character of a working-class household in a growing suburban community, where family, labor, and civic responsibility were closely intertwined.
Before entering military service, Wilson worked locally, including employment in agricultural and labor roles. His upbringing and early employment placed him among the many young men from Rye whose lives were shaped by both manual work and the call to national service during World War I.
World War I Service
Robert L. Wilson Jr. enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in December 1917, becoming part of the renowned 49th Company, 5th Regiment of Marines, a unit within the American Expeditionary Forces. The 5th Marines were among the most heavily engaged American units of the war, earning distinction for their combat effectiveness on the Western Front.
Wilson deployed overseas to France in March 1918 and participated in several of the war’s most significant engagements, including actions associated with the Battle of Belleau Wood, the Second Battle of the Marne, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. These battles placed him in the forefront of American combat operations during 1918.
During combat operations, Wilson was wounded in action by sniper fire while advancing through a contested village as German forces were being driven back. Contemporary reports described the wound as serious but not fatal, and noted his strong physical condition and resilience. He recovered and returned to duty, continuing his service with the Marines.
His unit was later awarded the French Fourragère, a distinction granted in recognition of repeated acts of bravery under fire. Wilson remained with the Army of Occupation following the Armistice and was honorably discharged on August 13, 1919, with the rank of Private First Class.
His service represents direct participation in some of the most intense combat experienced by American forces during World War I.
Life After Service
After returning from the war, Wilson resumed civilian life in Rye, where he remained for the rest of his life. He later married Ethel Adele Ganun, and he worked as a self-employed landscape gardener, maintaining a steady livelihood within the community.
He remained connected to fellow veterans through membership in American Legion Post 128 in Rye and was also affiliated with the Rye Presbyterian Church, reflecting continued civic and community involvement.
Robert Lourie Wilson Jr. died on March 29, 1962, in Rye, New York, at the age of sixty-six.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Ethel Adele Wilson; his brothers, James Wilson of Greenwich and Charles Wilson of Rye; and his sisters, Mrs. Margaret Bailey of Brewster and Mrs. Agnes McCarthy of the Bronx.
He was buried in Rye, the community in which he had been born, served, and lived throughout his life.