James Charles Wilson

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James Charles Wilson (24 August 1816–7 February 1861) was an early settler of Texas and later a state legislator.

Wilson was born in Yorkshire, England on August 24, 1816. After attending Oxford University, he emigrated to the Republic of Texas in 1837. In 1842 he joined Charles K. Reese in the ill-fated Somervell Expedition. Captured while serving with the company, he managed to escape on 30 July 1843.

He lived in Brazoria, Texas where he became district clerk before representing Calhoun, Jackson, Matagorda, and Wharton counties in the House of Representatives of the Third and Fourth Legislatures from 1848 to 1853. In 1856 he became commissioner of the Court of Claims.

In addition to his legal career, Wilson also served as a Methodist minister. He died in Gonzales on 7 February 1861 and is buried there.

Wilson County, Texas is named in his honor.

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Wilson was originally buried in Askey Cemetery near Gonzales but later was moved to the Texas State Cemetery in Austin (http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us/pub/user_form.asp).

While it is commonly stated that Wilson attended Oxford University, the registrar of that institution states that a search of records shows that he was never a member of any of its colleges. (This information was obtained from the registrar at the request of Wilson's great-great grandson.)

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