Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1851-06-05
Gg4G&CG J1GMD%
SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE.
JAMES WILSON, OF PENNSYLVANIA.

I
TINS distinguished patriot was born in Scotland
in 1912. and emigrated to this country in 1906
He had received his education under some of the
bes- teachers in Edinburgh. and ne bro with him
suca strong recommendations To eminent citizens
of Philadelphia that he soon obtained situation
as an assistant teacher in the Philadelphia college
then under the supervision OF the Reverend Doc
| tor Peters. In the course of a few months he
commenced the study of law in the office of the
eminent John Dickinson, and after two years
close application, he established himself in buSi
ness. first in Reading and afterward in Carlisle Pa
He finally fixed his permanent residence in Phila
deli hia He rapidly rose to eminence il his pro-
fess on and became distinguished as an ardent sup
porter OF the republican cause whenever an op-
porunity presented itself
! Having adopted America as his home, Mr. vii
son espoused her cause with all the ardor Of a ma
tive born citizen. This gave him great populari
1 ", and in 1874. ne was elected member OF the
! Provincial Assembly Of Pennsylvania. In May
/ 1875, he was chosen delegate 10 the General
I Congress together with Benjamin Franklin and
/ Thomas Willing. He again elected for the
session oF 1916. and warmly supported the mo-
ton Of Richard Henry Lee for absolute indepen-
dence He voted for and signed the Declaration
Of Iisenthralment and remained an active mem
ber of Congress until 1877, when he and Mr. Oily
mer not re elected in consequence of strong
party spirit wl.ic at that time existed il the AS
senbly Of Pennsylvania
Mr. Wilson. however, continued actively enga-
sed or public good even ia private life, nor did
he allow that jealousy of his rising fame. which
had posed barrier to his re election. in the
least 10 repress his zeai for his adopted country's
welfare. He ha3 been an interchangeable coadjutor
with AIr smith in the organization OF volunteer
mill -ary corps, and was elected colonel OF reg
ment in I774. The energy he there display yed was
now again exer;ed in raising rec rlits for he Con-
tinertal army, and through his influence. The Pa
line much siren aeud.
In 1777. difficulties having arisen with the ln..i-
ans within the bounds Of ne st,te, Mr Wilson
was sen as commissioner 70 ueit with them,
and 4e was sucres= al IN undertaking Sooa
after the arrival OF Mr. .rl. the French minis
ter, Nr. Wilson formed on acquaintance with HIM
which rioene3 into trrad-'..~. ana }f- Ger.ri ssas
.-..' .aa. .,s~.st....- q. his -a.ae'-. that
r. ..5a.. 81 aea.e Genes T,
Of 7 = ench na..a .-- "a. eJ 8 fa e. ~ cf
fee VI el,'-rJ thorough knowledge OF in
-r-..a. .ai .-3 ca7aice caj i.~s The airo m
r..~.,r va roaarnl.3 by -a- sfe:cl l. ag in i75l
Tovard the clos, of .7s' ~. u 'son was a
gain elcc-aI j delegate rs ..p Gene !. Congress.
and took L.s sea- - Jaap.sr 7e3 D,.r-.- s4at
,ear. the executive oornc.l ,- peunsy lva..5, ar-
pointed Aim an agent and counsellor in tie con
troyersy of that safe with Connecticut. Uccrug
tie Wyoming domain. In this lmportan service
he was very successful, and the matter was brot
to an am=cahle settler ent BE was again elected
I, Cong ess toward the close Of 1888. and took
his SEA, il March follow ing lie was an act,e
m,m5e - the convention that framed the FEEDER
al Constitution IN 1887, and was chairnan of h
comnittee thar exported Inc first drst. IL va
also member oG the state convention that ratltd
it. anl was chosen to deliver an Grafton on the &C
casiou OF a celebration OF the event in phladel-
phia. lie was also a member Of the convention
that framed q new constitutinn Tor Pennsy vania
in I7sS. IN the arrangement of the judiciary nm
der tae Federal Conetitution, President Washing
ton appointed Mr. il>on one OF the judges of the
Supreme Court of the United States.
He was appointed the first Professor of Law in
the College OF Philadelphia. in l79o. and when.in
1892. that institution and the University Of Penn
syvania were united he was appointed to the
same pro:essofsh:p there. which Office well as
that Of Judge Of the Supreme Court, he held un-
til his death
In 1881 the Pennsylvania House Of Represen-
tatives chose him by a unanimous vote. to revise
and properly digest the laws of the state. He ar
once entered upon the duties assigned him and had
made a considerable progress in the assiduous du-
ties. uhea his labors were arrested by the Senate
refusing 10 concur in the object FOR which the ap-
pointnleut had been made His task was never
resumed
In his official capacity as Judge Of the United
States Supreme Circuit Court, he frequently made
long i,urneys in other states II was while on a
judicial circuit through North Carolina that his
death occurred on the twenty-eighth day of Au-
gust I79s. at the house OF his friend Juse Iredell
of Edanton. lie was in the 6fty-sixth year Of
his age.
For many years 1fr Wilson stood At the head
Of the Philadelphia blr. and so popular was he
as an advocate. that nearly every important case
that ca ne before the higher tribunals Of that State
was De en1ed by him; as Christian none since
rer; as 4 patriot none was 6rmer: and as a has
band father. neighbor and friend. he was beloved
and esteemed in the highest degree.
DANIEL WEBSTER was yesterday honored
with a public dinner. by the citizens of Buff
taIo. without distinction Of party. 1t was
riven at the Mansion House. and though We
have received no account, yet we have not a
doubt that it was pleasant and genial af-
fair. The BaffAlonians understand how to
graceft llr tender coFtesies Of this character
Their generous hospitality is pTOveb.-Er.