Welcome to Jay Wilson Auction Service and Real Estate Sales. Three generations of the VanHyfte family have brought their auctioneering skills to the area for more than 85 years. It all started with Lawrence and Cecelia VanHyfte, followed by their daughter Elaine (VanHyfte) Wilson and her husband Bud (Arthur) Wilson. Elaine and Bud were the clerk and cashier for over 50 years, starting with Lawrence and then later in life they continued in that same capacity in the auction business for their son, Jay. Now Jay has taken the reins.
In an article from the Annawan-Atkinson News Lawrence remembered his first sale in 1935. It was the George Blackert farm sale. He recalled that it had 12 head of horses, 40 head of cattle, and 16 head of hogs. There was a Mc-Cormick-Deering Tractor that was almost brand new. While this is quite different from auctions of today, some things never change. The family is still dedicated to providing the best auctioneer services in the area.
The Wilson and VanHyfte family have called many sales over the years. In fact, at the time of the writing of the aforementioned article, Lawrence was calling 150 sales each year. Lawrence was quoted at the time as saying “He loved his work and he wouldn’t know what to do if he ever quit except to stay home and get in the way of his wife, Cecelia”. He said, “I’ve got to keep busy, I don’t know any other way.”
At Jay Wilson Auction Service and Real Estate Sales, we strive to have the same drive and love of what we do that Lawrence always possessed. There is no place we would rather be than at an auction, just like Lawrence. Honesty and integrity has been the model followed by all family members.
Jay Wilson is a lifelong resident of Annawan, Illinois located in Henry County. He was raised on the family farm and continues farming to this day. In 1987, he decided to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and attended auctioneering school to become a third-generation auctioneer. After receiving his auctioneering license, he launched Wilson Auction Service and Real Estate Sales. He has over 30 years of experience as an Illinois licensed auctioneer and real estate broker and has conducted auctions in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Education and Credentials:
1982 – graduate of Annawan High School, Annawan IL
1984 – graduate of Blackhawk College East, Kewanee IL with degree in Ag Production/Ag Mechanics
1987 – graduate of International College of Auctioneers, Davenport IA
2008 – current – Hammond Henry Hospital Foundation Board Member, Geneseo IL
Currently Annawan Township Trustee, Annawan IL
Better Business Bureau accredited member
Completes required continuing education every two years for auctioneering and real estate licenses