James Wilson (Indiana politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Wilson
Member of the United States House of Representatives from Indiana's 8th district
In office March 4, 1857 – March 3, 1861
Preceded by	Daniel Mace
Succeeded by	Albert S. White
United States Minister to Venezuela
In office October 10, 1866 – August 8, 1867
Preceded by	Erastus D. Culver
Succeeded by	Thomas N. Stilwell
Personal details
Born	April 9, 1825 Crawfordsville, Indiana
Died	August 8, 1867 (aged 42) Caracas, Venezuela
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Emma Ingersoll
Children	Henry Lane Wilson, John Lockwood Wilson, Tilghman Howard Wilson
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1846–1847, 1861–1865
Rank	Brevet Lieutenant Colonel
Battles/wars	Mexican–American War American Civil War

James Wilson (born April 9, 1825 – died August 8, 1867) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Indiana. This means he was elected to speak for the people of Indiana in the U.S. government. He also worked as a diplomat for the United States.

James Wilson was married to Emma Ingersoll. They had three sons: John Lockwood Wilson, Howard Wilson, and Henry Lane Wilson.

Early Life and Education

James Wilson was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1825. He was a very smart student. At just 17 years old, he graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville in 1842.

He continued his education and in 1845, he earned a law degree. He graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. This degree allowed him to become a lawyer.

Military Service and Law Career

James Wilson served his country in the Mexican–American War. This war took place from 1846 to 1848. He was in the United States military from June 17, 1846, to June 16, 1847.

After the war, Wilson returned to Crawfordsville in 1847. He worked in a law office and became a licensed lawyer in 1848. This meant he could officially practice law.

Entering Politics

In the mid-1850s, James Wilson became very active in politics. He joined the newly formed Republican Party. This party was created to oppose the expansion of slavery.

In 1856, Wilson decided to run for a seat in Congress. He wanted to represent Indiana's 8th District. He won the election against Daniel Wolsey Voorhees. On March 4, 1857, James Wilson officially became a member of the U.S. Congress.

He was reelected in 1858, serving two terms. His time in Congress ended on March 3, 1861. He was part of the Thirty-Fifth and Thirty-Sixth Congresses of the United States.

Service During the Civil War

The American Civil War began in 1861. James Wilson once again served in the military. On November 26, 1862, he was appointed as a captain in the Union Army.

He served until December 6, 1865. He was honorably discharged, meaning he left the military with a good record. He held the rank of brevet lieutenant colonel. This was an honorary rank given for good service.

Diplomat and Later Life

After the Civil War ended, James Wilson went back to his law practice in Crawfordsville. However, his public service was not over.

In 1866, President Andrew Johnson appointed him to an important role. Wilson became the United States Minister Resident to Venezuela. This meant he was America's top diplomat in Venezuela. He served in this role from 1866 until his death.

James Wilson passed away in Caracas, Venezuela, on August 8, 1867. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Images for kids

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  Rank insignia for a Brevet Lieutenant Colonel.