WILSON, Thomas, Congress, MN (1827-1910)

WILSON, Thomas, a Representative from Minnesota; born in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland, May 16, 1827; attended the common schools; immigrated to the United States in 1839 with his parents, who settled in Venango County, Pa.; was graduated from Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa., in 1852; studied law; was admitted to the bar in February 1855 and commenced practice in Winona, Minn.; member of the Minnesota constitutional convention in 1857; judge of the third judicial district court 1857-1864; associate justice of the supreme court of Minnesota in 1864; chief justice from 1864 to July 1869, when he resigned; resumed the practice of law; member of the State house of representatives 1880-1882; served in the State senate 1882-1885; elected as a Democrat to the Fiftieth Congress (March 4, 1887-March 3, 1889); unsuccessful candidate for reelection; unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1890; delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1892; general counsel for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad until his death in St. Paul, Minn., April 3, 1910; interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona, Minn.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present