Great Great Grandfather ~ William Heatley Wilder

Great Great Grandfather - William Heatley Wilder

WILDER, WILLIAM HEATLEY - attorney, civil engineer, philanthropist was born, Beauford, S. C., March 25, 1812; son of Asa Wells Wilder and Catherine Binns. Education: schools of Rochester, N. Y.; Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.; studied French, German, and Spanish in Europe; Graduated from the New York University, degree in law; admitted to New York bar, November 1, 1833. He moved to Detroit, Michgan, married, August 1838, Marie Thérèse Palms (d. 1867), a native of Antwerp, Belgium, daughter of Ange Palms. Children: Emelie and Laura. Moved to New Orleans in 1843; admitted to Louisiana bar. Served in the Louisiana legislature for three successive terms in public office in New Orleans. Was a member of the general council of New Orleans in 1847; and subsequently alderman for a number of years.  Although a Democrat, he remained a Unionist with the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1867 became attorney for Myra Clark Gaines (q.v.) and remained as such until her death in 1885. Served as executor of Mrs. Gaines' estate until his death. He was noted for his great philanthropy and benevolence. Died, New Orleans, July 6, 1898; interred St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery. G.R.C. Sources: New Orleans Daily Picayune, July 6, 8, 1898. (www.mocavo.com)