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Emanuel Willis Wilson

1844 – 1905

American politician

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About Emanuel Willis Wilson

Lived 1844 – 1905 (aged 60). Emanuel Willis Wilson was an American politician and lawyer.

Emanuel Willis Wilson (August 11, 1844 – May 28, 1905) was the seventh governor of West Virginia, serving from 1885 to 1890.

When the West Virginia Legislature disputed the election of 1888, both Governor Wilson and State Senate President Robert S. Carr claimed the right to sit as Governor until the dispute was resolved. The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia ruled that Wilson should remain Governor. He left office on February 6, 1890, because the legislature had decided Aretas B. Fleming had defeated Nathan Goff Jr. After leaving the governor's office, Wilson had an unsuccessful bid for Congress.

Wilson was governor during the period of the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Devil Anse Hatfield named a son, Emanuel Willis Hatfield, born on February 10, 1888, for him.

He was married to Henrietta Cotton. He died on May 28, 1905.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
Governor of West Virginia, Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates

Family & relationships

Spouse
Henrietta Cotton Wilson

People in Emanuel Willis Wilson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Emanuel Willis Wilson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Emanuel Willis Wilson?

American politician (1844-1905)

When was Emanuel Willis Wilson born?

Emanuel Willis Wilson was born on 11 August 1844 in Harpers Ferry.

When did Emanuel Willis Wilson die?

Emanuel Willis Wilson died on 28 May 1905 in Charleston.

What was Emanuel Willis Wilson's occupation?

Emanuel Willis Wilson was a politician and lawyer.

What nationality was Emanuel Willis Wilson?

Emanuel Willis Wilson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Emanuel Willis Wilson

· Wikidata: Q642156

· DBpedia: Emanuel Willis Wilson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Emanuel Willis Wilson. https://biography.guide/emanuel-willis-wilson/

MLA: "Emanuel Willis Wilson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/emanuel-willis-wilson/.

Chicago: "Emanuel Willis Wilson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/emanuel-willis-wilson/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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