State Historical Society of Missouri

WILSON, Robert, a Senator from Missouri; born near Staunton, Va., in November 1803; moved to Howard County, Mo., in 1820; taught school; probate judge of Howard County in 1825; clerk of the circuit and county courts 1829-1840; appointed brigadier general of the State forces in 1837 and served during the so-called Mormon war; studied law; admitted to the bar and commenced practice in 1840; moved to Huntsville, Mo.; member, State house of representatives 1844; moved to Andrew County, Mo., in 1852; member, State senate 1854; Union delegate to the State convention called to determine the attitude on secession in 1861 and elected vice president of the convention, later acting as president; appointed as a Unionist to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the expulsion of Waldo P. Johnson and served from January 17, 1862, to November 13, 1863, when a successor was elected; engaged in agricultural pursuits; died in Marshall, Saline County, Mo., on May 10, 1870; interment in Mount Mora Cemetery, St. Joseph, Mo.