Eugene McLanahan Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene McLanahan Wilson
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | Ignatius L. Donnelly |
| Succeeded by | John T. Averill |
| 5th Mayor of Minneapolis | |
| In office April 9, 1872 – April 8, 1873 |
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| Preceded by | Eli B. Ames |
| Succeeded by | George A. Brackett |
| 7th Mayor of Minneapolis | |
| In office April 14, 1874 – April 13, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | George A. Brackett |
| Succeeded by | Orlando C. Merriman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 25, 1833 Morgantown, Virginia, U.S. (now West Virginia) |
| Died | April 10, 1890 (aged 56) Nassau, British West Indies (now The Bahamas) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Delia A. Payne |
Eugene McLanahan Wilson (born December 25, 1833 – died April 10, 1890) was an important American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Wilson served in many roles in Minnesota. These included being a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was also the fifth and seventh mayor of Minneapolis.
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Eugene Wilson's Early Life and Education
Eugene Wilson was born on December 25, 1833. His birthplace was Morgantown, Virginia. This area is now part of West Virginia. His father, Edgar Campbell Wilson, was also a lawyer. He had served as a U.S. Representative from Virginia.
Eugene went to school in Morgantown. He later graduated from Jefferson College in 1852. After college, he studied law. He became a lawyer in 1855. Soon after, he moved to Minnesota to start his career.
A Career in Law and Public Service
Wilson first worked in Winona, Minnesota. He had a law practice there with a friend from college. In 1857, he was chosen to be the United States Attorney for Minnesota. This job meant he represented the U.S. government in legal cases. He then moved to Minneapolis.
During the American Civil War, Wilson joined the Union Army. He served as a captain. His group, the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, helped during the Dakota War of 1862. This war involved conflicts in Minnesota.
After the war, Wilson continued his public service. He was elected to the United States Congress. He served in Congress from 1869 to 1871. After his time in Congress, he went back to practicing law.
Serving as Mayor of Minneapolis
Eugene Wilson was elected mayor of Minneapolis two times. He served as mayor in 1872 and again in 1874. As mayor, he helped lead the growing city.
He also stayed active in politics. In 1876, he was a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. This is where the Democratic Party chooses its candidate for president. Wilson also served in the Minnesota Senate in 1878 and 1879. In 1888, he ran for Governor of Minnesota but did not win.
Beyond politics, Wilson was involved in social groups. He was president of the Minneapolis Club twice. This was a well-known club in the city.
Later Life and Legacy
Eugene Wilson passed away on April 10, 1890. He was visiting Nassau in the British West Indies (now The Bahamas). He had gone there to try and improve his health. His body was brought back to Minneapolis. He was buried in Lakewood Cemetery. Wilson is remembered for his many years of service as a lawyer and politician in Minnesota.
