In 1892, Willson discovered an economically efficient process for creating calcium carbide, which is used in the production of acetylene gas.

In 1911, he began experimenting with the condensation of phosphoric acid in the manufacture of fertilizers at a mill on Meech Creek within the park.

Due to this venture and running out of capital, he missed one interest payment and lost nearly all of his estate to his creditor, American tobacco king James Buchanan Duke.

[1] The Meech Lake estate was then sold to Arthur Vining Davis who would go on to further Willson's enterprising effort by establishing the Quebec aluminum industry at Arvida, the name of the town being a portmanteau of his own name.

Willson died of a heart attack in New York City on December 20, 1915, while trying to raise funds for a hydroelectric project in Labrador.