William Wilson was born in Belfast and was educated privately. In 1871 he established a private observatory at Daramona, Streete, County Westmeath, and in 1881, built a second one. He also built a laboratory and a mechanical workshop. In 1894 he became High Sheriff of Westmeath; in 1896 was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, and in 1901 gained a Doctorate of Science. He pioneered research in the temperature of the sun and radiation from sun-spots the results of which he published privately in 1900. He died in Daramona.

Born:	1851
Died:	1908