Background
Wilson, James Harrison was born on September 2, 1837 in Shawneetown, Illinois, United States. Son of Harrison and Katharine (Schneider) Wilson.
railroad builder and manager Soldier
Wilson, James Harrison was born on September 2, 1837 in Shawneetown, Illinois, United States. Son of Harrison and Katharine (Schneider) Wilson.
Student McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois (Doctor of Laws), graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1860.
General Johann Wolfgang Andrews, of Wilmington, Delaware, January 3, 1866. Bvt. Second lieutenant topographical engrs., July 1, 1860. Second lieutenant, June 10, 1861.
Promoted through grades to brigadier general vols., October 30, 1863. Major general vols., May 6, 1865. Bvtd.: major, April 11, 1862, “for gallant and meritorious services at Fort Pulaski, Georgia.
Lieutenant colonel, November 24, 1863, for same at Chattanooga. Colonel, May 5, 1864, for same, at the Wilderness, Virginia. Brigadier general, March 13, 1865, for same at Nashville.
Major general, March 13, 1865, for same at Selma, Alabama, and major general, October 5, 1865, for same during the war. Honorary mustered out of volunteer service, January 8, 1866. Lieutenant colonel 35th United States Infantry, July 28, 1866.
Honorary discharge at own request, December 31, 1870. Major general vols., May 4, 1898. Brigadier general vols., April 12.
1899-March 2, 1901; brigadier general United States of America (by special act of Congress, February 2, 1901), February 11, 1901. Retired, March 2, 1901. Engineer and inspector general in Vicksburg and Chattanooga campaigns.
Chief of Cavalry Bureau, War Department, February-April, 1864. Commanded 3d division Sheridan’s cavalry, 1864. Organized and commanded cavalry corps Military Division of the Mississippi, October 1864.
Turned flank of Hood’s army at Nashville, capturing many guns and prisoners and pursuing him to Tennessee River. Commanded assault and capture of Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, Columbus and Macon, Georgia, and pursuit and capture of Jefferson Davis. In Spanish-American War, commanded 1st and 6th Army Corps in Georgia and the occupation of Cuba, also departments of Matanzas and Santa Clara, and in P.R. campaign.
Joined China relief expedition. Commanded coöperating force of America and British troops in capture of the 8 temples, also American forces in Peking. Represented United States Army at coronation of King Edward VII. Largely engaged in railroad and engineering operations for many years Trustee Mutual Life Insurance Company, since 1907, and director in many corporations Author: Life of Andrew Alexander, 1868.
Life of General Grant (with late Charles A. Dana), 1868. China—Travels and Investigations in the Middle Kingdom, 1887, 1900. Life and Services of Major General William F. Smith.
Life and Services of Major General Alexander McD. McCook. Life and Services of Major General John A. Rawlins. Life of Charles A. Dana, 1907.
Under the Old Flag, 1912. Home: Wilmington, Del.
Married Ella, d.