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Rep. Wilson's first action in Congress was introducing a resolution prohibiting fugitive slaves from being returned to [[the South]] and ordering the dismissal of any military officer that instructs troops to do such, which was enacted.<ref name=nytimesobit/> He in addition reported legislation which enfranchised blacks in [[Washington, D.C.]], as well as shepherding a bill that granted freedom to the family of black soldiers.

Rep. Wilson's first action in Congress was introducing a resolution prohibiting fugitive slaves from being returned to [[the South]] and ordering the dismissal of any military officer that instructs troops to do such, which was enacted.<ref name=nytimesobit/> He in addition reported legislation which enfranchised blacks in [[Washington, D.C.]], as well as shepherding a bill that granted freedom to the family of black soldiers.

In 1864, Wilson authored the [[13th Amendment]] which abolished [[slavery]] in the United States.<ref name=iowalegislaturebio/> He also rallied House support for the Civil Rights Act of 1866, considered a forerunner to the [[14th Amendment]].<ref name=legalisticfreesoiler>Ross, Earle D. [https://pubs.lib.uiowa.edu/annals-of-iowa/article/10438/galley/119023/view/ James F. Wilson, Legalistic Free-Soiler]. ''The Annals of Iowa''. Retrieved November 27, 2021.</ref>

In 1864, Wilson authored the [[13th Amendment]] which abolished [[slavery]] in the United States.<ref name=iowalegislaturebio/> He also rallied House Republican support for the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which was considered a forerunner to the [[14th Amendment]].<ref name=legalisticfreesoiler>Ross, Earle D. [https://pubs.lib.uiowa.edu/annals-of-iowa/article/10438/galley/119023/view/ James F. Wilson, Legalistic Free-Soiler]. ''The Annals of Iowa''. Retrieved November 27, 2021.</ref>

When President [[Andrew Johnson]] faced impeachment after violating the Tenure of Office Act in firing Edwin M. Stanton, Wilson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, served as one of the House managers.<ref name=iowalegislaturebio/> Although initially opposing impeachment, he ultimately voted for the resolutions along with the vast majority of Republicans. Johnson was ultimately acquitted by the Senate due to seven GOP members in the upper congressional chamber bucking their party.

When President [[Andrew Johnson]] faced impeachment after violating the Tenure of Office Act in firing Edwin M. Stanton, Wilson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, served as one of the House managers.<ref name=iowalegislaturebio/> Although initially opposing impeachment, he ultimately voted for the resolutions along with the vast majority of Republicans. Johnson was ultimately acquitted by the Senate due to seven GOP members in the upper congressional chamber bucking their party.