Robert E. Wilson

Robert E. Wilson (March 30, 1856 - January 12, 1921) was an American state official. He served as State Auditor of Mississippi from 1916 to 1920.

Early life Robert E. Wilson was born in Madison County, Mississippi, on March 30, 1856. He was the son of Joseph Wilson (died 1876), an immigrant from County Donegal who served in the Confederate Army, and Eleanor Evans Wilson. Robert grew up doing work on his parents' farm. He served as a Secretary in the 1892 Democratic National Convention. He resigned from the clerkship in order to serve as Registrar in the United States Land Office during the second term of President Grover Cleveland (1893-1897). In 1915, after spending time out of office, Wilson announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for State Auditor of Mississippi. On August 3, 1915, Wilson won the Democratic primary, winning by over 10,000 votes and taking 57 out of 80 counties. He won the November general election and served the 1916-1920 term. After his term, Wilson unsuccessfully ran in the primary for Mayor of Jackson.

Personal life Wilson was Methodist by religion. In 1879, married Rosa Lowry (died 1915), the daughter of Governor Robert Lowry. They had four children together: Robert G., Lee J., Rosa L., and Nell. Wilson died at his Jackson residence at midnight on January 12, 1921.