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James Wilson

1810 – 1891

Preacher and politician in Ontario, Canada

Politician
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About James Wilson

Lived 1810 – 1891 (aged 80). James Wilson was a Canadian politician.

James Wilson (December 14, 1810 – May 14, 1891) was an Irish-born farmer, Methodist preacher and political figure in Ontario. He represented Norfolk North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1867 to 1871 as a Conservative member.

He was born in Carlow in Ireland, the son of a Methodist preacher who came to Upper Canada in 1817. In 1832, he married Susanna Shaver. Wilson settled in Chinguacousy Township, moving to Townsend Township three years later. In 1846, Wilson built a steam-powered sawmill. He served on the township council for Townsend, also serving as deputy reeve. Wilson was defeated by John Fitzgerald Clarke when he ran for reelection to the assembly in 1871.

Electoral history

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Important facts

Born
14 December 1810, Carlow
Birth century
19th century
Died
14 May 1891, Bradford
Occupation
Politician
Nationality
Canada
Positions held
Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament

People in James Wilson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Portrait of John
John
1881 – 1963
Latin Catholic priest
 Portrait of John Fitzgerald
John Fitzgerald
1775 – 1852
Politician
 Portrait of John Fitzgerald Clarke
John Fitzgerald Clarke
1827 – 1887
Politician

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James Wilson's

Portrait of Robert Brown
Robert Brown
1773 – 1858
Botanist
 Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Biot
Jean-Baptiste Biot
1774 – 1862
Mathematician
 Portrait of Hans Christian Ørsted
Hans Christian Ørsted
1777 – 1851
Physicist
 Portrait of Augustin-Pyramus de Candolle
Augustin-Pyramus de Candolle
1778 – 1841
Botanist
 Portrait of Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac
Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac
1778 – 1850
Physicist
 Portrait of Jöns Jacob Berzelius
Jöns Jacob Berzelius
1779 – 1848
Chemist

Frequently asked questions

Who was James Wilson?

preacher and politician in Ontario, Canada (1810-1891)

When was James Wilson born?

James Wilson was born on 14 December 1810 in Carlow.

When did James Wilson die?

James Wilson died on 14 May 1891 in Bradford.

What was James Wilson's occupation?

James Wilson was a politician.

What nationality was James Wilson?

James Wilson was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James Wilson

· Wikidata: Q16200583

· DBpedia: James Wilson (Ontario MPP)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Wilson. https://biography.guide/james-wilson-politician-1810/

MLA: "James Wilson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-wilson-politician-1810/.

Chicago: "James Wilson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-wilson-politician-1810/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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