Robert Wilson (Missouri politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Wilson
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| United States Senator from Missouri |
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| In office January 17, 1862 – November 13, 1863 |
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| Appointed by | Hamilton Rowan Gamble |
| Preceded by | Waldo P. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | B. Gratz Brown |
| Member of the Missouri Senate | |
| In office 1854 |
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| Member of the Missouri House of Representatives | |
| In office 1844 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | November 1803 Staunton, Virginia |
| Died | May 10, 1870 (aged 66) Marshall, Missouri |
| Political party | Unionist |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Judge, Teacher |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Missouri Militia |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Mormon War |
Robert Wilson (born November 1803, died May 10, 1870) was an important politician from Missouri. He served as a U.S. Senator for his state.
Contents
Robert Wilson's Early Life and Career
Robert Wilson was born in November 1803 near Staunton, Virginia. When he was about 17 years old, in 1820, he moved to Howard County, Missouri. There, he started his career as a teacher.
Becoming a Judge and Lawyer
Wilson quickly became involved in public service. In 1825, he worked as a judge for probate cases in Howard County. From 1829 to 1840, he was a clerk for the circuit and county courts. During this time, he also studied law. He passed his law exams and began practicing law in 1840.
Military Service in Missouri
In 1837, Robert Wilson was appointed as a brigadier general in Missouri's state military forces. He served during a conflict known as the Mormon War.
Robert Wilson's Political Journey
After becoming a lawyer, Wilson continued his political career. He moved to Huntsville, Missouri.
Serving in the Missouri State Government
In 1844, Robert Wilson became a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. This is one of the two parts of Missouri's state legislature. Later, in 1852, he moved to Andrew County, Missouri. In 1854, he was elected to the Missouri Senate. This is the other part of the state legislature.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
In 1861, a special meeting called the Missouri Constitutional Convention was held. Its purpose was to decide if Missouri would leave the United States during the American Civil War. Robert Wilson was a delegate at this convention. He supported staying with the Union. He was elected as the vice president of the convention and later served as its president.
Because of his strong support for the Union, Wilson was chosen to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. He served as a U.S. Senator from January 17, 1862, until November 13, 1863.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in the Senate, Robert Wilson returned to farming. He passed away on May 10, 1870, in Marshall, Missouri. He was buried in Mount Mora Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.
