Career
John Wilson was born in Ireland and settled in the District of Columbia at an early age. He held a clerkship in the United States Post Office and United States Department of the Treasury. He was appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office in 1852, and held that office until 1855.
He was later Third Auditor of the Treasury 1864-1869. Wilson was also associated with Railroads in Illinois, and later settled in Washington, D.C. as a claim agent and attorney. He died in Washington D.C., January, 1876 at age 68.
Wilson's brother, Joseph S. Wilson, also served as Commissioner of the General Land Office.
