Wilson Stapley Wonham
Early Life
Wilson Stapley Wonham was born on August 15, 1889, in New York, the son of Frederick S. Wonham and Bessie E. Wonham. By 1910, he was residing in Rye, New York, establishing a clear connection to the community during his formative years. He was educated at the Pomfret School in Connecticut, graduating in 1917, and came of age within a social environment that combined education, mobility, and professional opportunity.
His upbringing reflects a background of both academic preparation and international outlook, characteristics that would shape his decision to volunteer for service abroad even before formal U.S. military deployment reached full scale.
World War I Service
In August 1917, Wonham volunteered for service in France with the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps, an organization closely associated with the American Field Service and composed largely of American volunteers supporting the French Army. He was subsequently assigned to Section 58 of the U.S. Ambulance Service, serving directly with French forces as part of the broader Allied war effort.
Wonham served overseas from October 1, 1917, through February 1919, a period of approximately twenty-two months, placing him within the continuous operational environment of the Western Front. His role as an ambulance driver involved the evacuation of wounded soldiers from front-line positions, often under hazardous conditions, and required both technical skill and personal courage.
For his service, he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with silver star, a distinction recognizing acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy. This decoration reflects direct exposure to combat conditions and commendable conduct during wartime operations.
He was honorably discharged in February 1919 at St. Aignan, France, following the conclusion of the war and the demobilization of American volunteer units.
Life After Service
Following his return from France, Wonham continued his education, graduating from Princeton University in 1921. He subsequently established himself within professional and social circles in New York and Connecticut, maintaining affiliations with organizations such as the Princeton Club and the Racquet and Tennis Club of New York.
In 1924, he married Mary Knight “Polly” Lincoln in Greenwich, Connecticut, and the couple had children, including a daughter, Hope Stapley Wonham. He spent much of his later life in Greenwich, where he remained active in both professional and social communities.
Wilson Stapley Wonham died on June 12, 1973, in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the age of eighty-three.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Mary Knight Wonham; his children, including Hope Stapley Wonham; and extended family members.
His life reflects a combination of voluntary wartime service, academic achievement, and long-standing ties to both Rye, New York, and the broader New York–Connecticut region.