Thomas Wilson was president of Wilson & Company, which during his tenure became the 3rd largest meat packing company and included Wilson Sporting Goods. At the 1918 International Livestock Exposition in Chicago, he met farm boys and girls – 4-H members – who who impressed him with their knowledge and enthusiasm for farming. He decided to support the 4-H mission. In 1919, Guy Noble, an Armour Packing Company employee, asked publisher E.T. Meredith and Wilson to form the National Committee on Boys’ and Girls’ Club Work. Wilson became the first chairman, working tirelessly to get the attention of executives, bankers, and others to help support and expand 4-H Club work.
Wilson helped to found the annual National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago that showcased outstanding club members, leaders and Extension workers. He often invited 4-H Congress youth to dine with him and discuss their 4-H experiences. He funded college scholarships to assist 4-H members. In 1939, Wilson, Meredith and Noble worked with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) to merge the National Committee with the larger 4-H organization. To honor his legacy and commitment to 4-H, the Thomas E. Wilson Fund was established in 1948 to provide training for development of skills to 4-H members that contribute to achieving good citizenship.
