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James Wilson
JusticeJamesWilson.jpg
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
In office
September 26, 1789 – August 21, 1798
Nominated by George Washington
Preceded by Seat established
Succeeded by Bushrod Washington
Personal details
Born (1742-09-14)September 14, 1742
Carskerdo Farm, Fife, Scotland, Great Britain
Died August 21, 1798(1798-08-21) (aged 55)
Edenton, North Carolina, U.S.
Political party Federalist
Spouses Rachel Bird (1771–1786)
Hannah Gray (1793–1798)
Education University of St Andrews
University of Glasgow
University of Edinburgh
Signature

James Wilson (September 14, 1742 – August 21, 1798) was a very important person in early American history. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. This means he helped create the country we know today. He signed the Declaration of Independence, which announced America's freedom from Great Britain. He also played a big part in writing the United States Constitution, which is the main lawbook for the country. George Washington, the first president, chose him to be one of the first judges on the Supreme Court. James Wilson was born in Scotland but lived most of his life in Pennsylvania.

Early Life and Education

James Wilson was born in a place called Carskerdo, near St. Andrews, Scotland, on September 14, 1742. His parents were William Wilson and Alison Landall. He went to several universities in Scotland, including the University of St Andrews, University of Glasgow, and University of Edinburgh. However, he did not finish a degree at any of them.

In 1766, James Wilson moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in British America. He brought important letters that helped him find work. He started tutoring and then teaching at The Academy and College of Philadelphia. This school is now known as the University of Pennsylvania. He later received an honorary Master of Arts degree from the college.

Soon after, Wilson began studying law with a lawyer named John Dickinson. After two years of studying, he became a lawyer in Philadelphia. In 1767, he opened his own law office in Reading, Pennsylvania. His law practice was very successful, and he earned a good amount of money. He bought a small farm near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and handled cases in many local areas. He also gave lectures at The Academy and College of Philadelphia.

On November 5, 1771, James Wilson married Rachel Bird. They had six children together.

Political Career and the New Nation

In 1774, James Wilson wrote an important paper. In it, he argued that the British Parliament had no power over the American colonies. He believed that the colonies should be free to govern themselves.

Wilson was a strong supporter of American independence. He was elected twice to the Continental Congress, which was the government of the American colonies during the American Revolution. He voted for the Declaration of Independence. During the American Revolution, he also served in the Pennsylvania State Militia, helping to defend his home state.

During this time, James Wilson continued to work as a lawyer. He even represented France in legal cases in the United States.

Wilson was one of the most important thinkers at the Constitutional Convention. This was a meeting where leaders decided how to set up the new United States government. He gave many speeches, more than almost anyone else there. He also suggested the "three-fifths compromise," which was a way to count enslaved people for representation in Congress. He was also part of the Committee of Detail, which wrote the first draft of the Constitution.

After the Constitution was written, James Wilson became one of the first six judges on the Supreme Court of the United States. He was chosen by President George Washington. He served on the Supreme Court from 1789 until his death in 1798.

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See also

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