Bluford Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bluford Wilson
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| Solicitor of the United States Treasury | |
| In office 1874–1876 |
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| Preceded by | E. C. Banfield |
| Succeeded by | George F. Talbot |
| United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois | |
| In office 1869–1874 |
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| Preceded by | John E. Rosette |
| Succeeded by | John P. Van Dorston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 30, 1841 Shawneetown, Illinois, US |
| Died | July 15, 1924 (aged 82) Springfield, Illinois, US |
| Resting place | Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Alice Warren Mather (m. 1865) |
| Relations | James H. Wilson (Brother) |
| Children | 5 (Including Arthur H. Wilson) |
| Education | McKendree College University of Michigan Law School |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army Illinois Militia |
| Years of service | 1862-1865 (Army) 1898 (Militia) |
| Rank | Major (Army) Colonel (Militia) |
| Unit | 120th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Army) |
| Commands | Wilson's Provisional Regiment (Militia) |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Spanish–American War |
Bluford Wilson (born November 30, 1841 – died July 15, 1924) was an important American official. He served as a brave officer in the Union Army during the Civil War. Later, he became the Solicitor of the United States Treasury, a top legal job for the U.S. government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bluford Wilson was born in Shawneetown, Illinois, on November 30, 1841. He went to McKendree College and later studied law at the University of Michigan Law School. His studies were put on hold when the Civil War began.
Military Career: A Civil War Officer
In 1862, Bluford Wilson joined the 120th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He quickly became an officer, serving as a regimental adjutant. This role meant he helped manage the daily activities of his unit.
He also worked for other important commanders. Wilson fought in many major battles and campaigns. These included the Battle of Champion Hill, the Battle of Black River, and the long Siege of Vicksburg. He also took part in the Red River campaign. By the end of the war, he had reached the rank of major.
After the war, Wilson stayed active in groups for veterans. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
Legal Career: Serving the Government
After the Civil War, Wilson finished his law studies. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1866. By 1867, he was a licensed lawyer.
As a member of the Republican Party, Wilson was chosen for important government jobs. In 1869, he became the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. This meant he was the chief lawyer for the U.S. government in that area.
In 1874, Wilson was appointed Solicitor of the United States Treasury. This was a very important role. He was the main legal advisor for the U.S. Treasury Department, which handles the government's money. He held this position until 1876.
Bluford Wilson's career was helped by his family's connection to President Ulysses S. Grant. Wilson's brother, James H. Wilson, was a major general and worked closely with President Grant during the Civil War.
As Solicitor, Wilson played a key role in uncovering a large fraud. This fraud involved people cheating the government out of tax money on whiskey. Wilson investigated these dishonest actions. He reported his findings to his superiors. When it seemed that some powerful people might try to stop the investigation, Wilson chose to resign from his position.
Later Life and Family
After leaving government service, Bluford Wilson moved to Springfield, Illinois. There, he continued to practice law. He also became involved in building and managing several railroads.
During the Spanish–American War in 1898, Wilson wanted to serve his country again. The governor of Illinois allowed him to form a regiment of soldiers. Wilson was made a colonel in the Illinois militia. However, the war ended before his regiment could see any active fighting.
Bluford Wilson passed away in Springfield on July 15, 1924. He was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
In 1865, Bluford Wilson married Alice Warren Mather. They had five children together. Their son, Arthur, became a military officer like his father. Arthur graduated from West Point in 1904. He served in the military until 1942 and also reached the rank of Colonel. Arthur received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Philippine Insurrection.
