Partner in the J. C. Wilson Paper Mills Company Ltd. of Montreal.

His collection of Canadian coins, tokens and medals, was considered the finest of his time.

The Numismatist was owned and published by George F. Heath until his death in July 1908. It was purchased by Farran Zerbe who published for two years. It had been designated as the official journal of the ANA and there was a desire to transfer ownership. Wilson arranged to purchase the publication and donated it to the ANA in 1911.

He served as first vice president of the ANA 1909 to 1911.

In 2012 he was inducted into the ANA Hall of Fame.

He was a member of the Masons. He died at home in Montreal, Canada.

obit: NUM 37 May 1924 page 371-372