James Grant Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Grant Wilson
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 28, 1832 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | February 1, 1914 (aged 81) New York City, New York |
| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York |
| Spouses |
Jane Emily Searle Cogswell
(m. 1869; Mary H. Nicholson
(m. 1907; |
| Children | 1 |
| Parents | William Wilson Jane Sibbald |
| Education | Bartlett's College Hill School |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 15th Illinois Cavalry Regiment |
| Commands | 4th U.S.C.T. Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Grant Wilson (April 28, 1832 – February 1, 1914) was an American writer, editor, and publisher. He started the Chicago Record in 1857, which was the first literary newspaper in that area. During the American Civil War, he served as a colonel in the Union Army. Later, he was recognized as a brevet brigadier general. After the war, he lived in New York City. There, he worked on many biographies and history books. He was also a public speaker and led important author and historical societies.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Grant Wilson was born on April 28, 1832, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was the poet William Wilson. His mother was Jane Sibbald. When he was a baby, his family moved to the United States. They settled in Poughkeepsie, New York. James had two younger brothers. He went to school in Poughkeepsie at College Hill. He also studied languages, music, and drawing with private teachers.
Starting a Career in Publishing
James Grant Wilson first worked with his father in the bookselling and publishing business. He later became his father's partner. In 1855, Wilson went on a long trip. He traveled around Europe and visited many capital cities.
When he returned in 1857, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, he started a newspaper called the Chicago Record. This paper focused on art and literature. It was the first of its kind in that region. Wilson also became well-known as a public speaker.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Wilson sold his newspaper. He joined the Union Army in late 1862. He became a major in the 15th Illinois Cavalry. He also commanded the 4th U.S. Colored Cavalry as a colonel. He left the Army on June 16, 1865.
On February 27, 1867, President Andrew Johnson suggested that Wilson be promoted. He was made a brevet brigadier general of volunteers. This rank was effective from March 13, 1865. The United States Senate approved this on March 2, 1867. Wilson's middle brother died during the war at Fredericksburg, Virginia. His youngest brother also served in the war.
Later Career as an Author and Editor
After the war, Wilson moved to New York City. He continued to be a popular speaker. He often wrote for different magazines and newspapers. He became the president of the Society of American Authors. After 1885, he also led the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society.
Wilson edited and wrote many important books:
- He edited Fitz-Greene Halleck's Poems (1868) and wrote his biography (1869).
- In 1876, he published his collection Poets & Poetry of Scotland in four volumes.
- He edited A Memorial History of the City of New York (four volumes, 1892–93).
- He also worked on Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography (six volumes, 1887–89, with John Fiske; volume seven, 1900).
- He edited The Great Commanders Series (eighteen volumes, finished in 1913).
- His last major work was {{ws|The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914 (four volumes, 1914). This book included writings from many famous authors.
Family Life
On November 3, 1869, James Grant Wilson married Jane Emily Searle Cogswell. She passed away in 1904. They had one daughter named Jane Wilson. Jane married Frank Sylvester Henry, who died before 1914.
After his first wife's death, Wilson married Mary H. Nicholson in 1907. She was the widow of his friend, Admiral James William Augustus Nicholson. Wilson lived at 143 West 79th Street in New York City.
James Grant Wilson died in New York City. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.
Selected Writings
- Biographical Sketches of Illinois Officers (1862–63)
- Life of Fitz-Greene Halleck (1869)
- Sketches of Illustrious Soldiers (1874)
- Poets and Poetry of Scotland (1876) (in four volumes)
- Centennial History of the Diocese of New York, 1775-1885 (1886)
- Bryant and his Friends (1886)
- Commodore Isaac Hull and the Frigate Constitution (1889)
- Love in Letters (1896)
- Life of General Grant (1897)
- Thackeray in the United States (two volumes, 1904)
