Mr. Pilson was educated in the public schools of New York City and afterward entered the printing business with A. J. Doan, remaining with hint for four years. The partnership was then dissolved and he continued in the same business in Jersey City. There, in 1893, he started the Chronicle, a Republican newspaper, of which he is still the proprietor and editor. In connection with the Chronicle Mr. Pilson conducts a large and successful printing establishment whose principal work is printing for the leading lawyers and business men in Hudson County and for most of the public institutions of Jersey City.

He has always been a Republican, but has never held office to any extent. He served three months on the Grand Jury of Hudson City in 1896. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum; of the Loyal Additional Benefit Association; the Odd Fellows; the Knights of Pythias, and of other societies and organizations. As a citizen he is public spirited, progressive, and highly esteemed.