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William Wilson (ca. 1762 – October 1821) became a figure in the folklore of southeastern and south-central Pennsylvania in the late 18th century and early 19th century. He is often referred to as The Pennsylvania Hermit. His sister Elizabeth had been condemned for the murder of her children, although many believed her to be innocent of those charges. A pardon for Elizabeth was granted by the state and entrusted to William, but he was unable to deliver it in time to stop the execution. Following his sister's death, William withdrew from society, wandering westward across southeastern Pennsylvania and ultimately living his last 19 years in a cave near Hummelstown. In some sources, William and Elizabeth are referred to as Amos Wilson and Harriot Wilson. However, the historical record leaves no doubt that the Hermit and his sister were named William and Elizabeth. The origin of these "alternate" names has never been fully explained. Many key elements of the Wilsons' saga are documented in the records of the Chester County Courts and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, the story quickly became a part of local folklore and was embellished by generations of storytellers. It is often possible to note which elements of the tale are a part of the historical record and which might be considered suspect. However, the story of the Pennsylvania Hermit might best be considered historical fiction, as the familiar tale incorporates elements of both history and fiction, not unlike the popular image of a Johnny Appleseed or Davy Crockett. The following is a synthesis of numerous sources from both genres and is best regarded as historical fiction. ==Early life== Little background information has survived regarding the Wilson family. Some early accounts report that William and Elizabeth's father was a farmer named John Wilson. John's first wife, and the children's mother, was also named Elizabeth. Sources are divided regarding the Wilsons' ages. Some indicate that William was born ca. 1764, and his sister two years later, while others suggest that Elizabeth was born ca. 1758 and that William was her ''younger'' brother by an unspecified period of time.〔''The Pennsylvania Hermit: a Narrative of the Extraordinary Life of Amos Wilson'' (1839). Philadelphia: Smith & Carpenter.〕〔''A Faithful Narrative of Elizabeth Wilson.'' At least four versions are extant: Philadelphia (1786), New Haven (1786), Hudson (1786), Philadelphia (1807).〕〔Butterfield, Roger P (5 March 1933). ''The Hangman Who Didn't Wait''. Philadelphia: Public Ledger.〕 There is no record of other siblings, and some accounts specify that William was his parents' only son and Elizabeth their only daughter. William was said to have been born in Lebanon, in present-day Lebanon County, although in every other instance he and his family are linked to ''Chester'' County.〔 (Prior to 1789, Chester County included all of present-day Delaware County, and Chester City was the county seat. Chester City then served as the seat of ''Delaware'' County until the seat was moved to Media in 1851.) The Wilson family lived in Chester County, most likely in East Bradford or West Bradford Township.〔O'Neill, Robert F (25 June 1995). ''Hummelstown Caves Conceal a Tragic Tale''. Philadelphia: Philadelphia Inquirer.〕〔Grigson, Carol (1997). Personal correspondence.〕〔Indian Echo Caverns (undated). Guide orientation materials.〕 Theirs was a farm family of modest means but solid reputation. During the American Revolution they sided with the British, and much of their property was confiscated by American forces. When the children were still young the elder Elizabeth died. Their father later remarried, but his second wife did not care for her stepchildren, and she encouraged their father to send them away as soon as they were of age.〔''Execution of a Woman in the Olden Time'' (6 Jan 1854). Chester: Delaware County Republican 21(23).〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「William "Amos" Wilson」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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