JAMES WILSON 1742-1798

James Wilson was born in Scotland and emigrated to America in 1766 after obtaining an outstanding education in Edinburgh.  He came well recommended and was able to study law under the outstanding legal mind of John Dickinson, a most prominent of men in Pennsylvania and writer of the popular publication " Letters of a Pennsylvania farmer".  Dickinson was very outspoken against separation from England and Wilson moved on after two years establishing himself in business, first in Reading and then Carlisle.
Jame Wilson was very early on the side of independence even forming a military force in 1774 and was elected Col. of the force.  With his popularity he was elected to the Provincial Congress of Pennsylvania in 1774.  In May of 1775 he was elected to the General Congress along with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Willing and reelected for the 1776 session where he warmly supported the motion of Richard Henry Lee for absolute Independence.  He voted for and signed the Declaration of Independence and remained in office until 1777 when he was defeated because of a strong faction in Pennsylvania of Tory sentiment.
Wilson remained active in the business of government, serving on committees and was instrumental in gaining the French fleet assistance through his friendship with Mr. Gerard, the French Minister.
James Wilson became the first Professor of Law at the College of Pennsylvania in 1790 and the President Washington appointed him to the Supreme Court in 1792.
James Wilson died on one of his court trips in 1798.....Medicineman!