James F. Wilson
James Falconer Wilson (October 19, 1828 â April 22, 1895), also known as Jefferson Jim,[1] was a Radical Republican from Iowa who represented the state's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for four terms during the 1860s. He later served as the state's U.S. senator for two terms from 1883 to 1895.
Wilson was previously a member of the state legislature, serving in both houses during the late 1850s and early 1860s.
Background
Wilson was born in Newark, Ohio as one of three children.[2] When he was around eleven years old, his father died and left the family unprovided. Wilson subsequently helped support the family, and soon became a harnessmaker's apprentice when thirteen years old.[2]
Attending local common schools, Wilson would study following his working hours.[2] While involved in harnessmaking, a trade he was active in until 1851, Wilson also studied law and loaned books from future United States Supreme Court justice William B. Woods, who helped instruct him. He was admitted to the bar in 1852, and moved to Farfield, Iowa after marrying Mary A. K. Jewett the following year.[2]
Political career
In 1856 amidst the presidential election that year, Wilson ran for and was elected to serve in the Convention for the Revision of the Constitution of Iowa.[2] The following year he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served in the Ways and Means Committee.
In 1859, Wilson was elected to the Iowa Senate, where he served on the Committee of the Judiciary.[2]
References
- â Wilson, J. The Political Graveyard. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
- â 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 April 24, 1895. DEATH OF THE SLAVE'S FRIEND; The Public Record of ex-Senator James F. Wilson, Who Died in Fairfield, Iowa, Monday Night. The New York Times. Retrieved November 27, 2021.