Little is known about Wilson's early life. Unsubstantiated rumors circulated around Omaha that she was born into an aristocratic Southern family. Wilson and her long-time partner, Dan Allen, were together in 1870, when famous Lincoln prostitute Josie Washburn worked for her.Washburn, J. (1997) The Underworld Sewer: A Prostitute Reflects on Life in the Trade, 1871-1909. University of Nebraska Press. p. vii. Wilson reportedly assumed the role of a parent if one of the prostitutes that worked for her got married, including paying the wedding expenses.
