Joseph S. Wilson

Joseph Shields Wilson (died June 23, 1874) was an immigrant from Ireland to the United States who held positions in the United States Department of the Treasury and United States Department of the Interior.

Joseph S. Wilson
16th & 18th Commissioner of the General Land Office
In office February 23, 1860 – March 16, 1861
Preceded by	Samuel Axley Smith
Succeeded by	James M. Edmunds
In office September 1, 1866 – February 4, 1871
Preceded by	James M. Edmunds
Succeeded by	Willis Drummond
Personal details
Born	Ireland
Died	June 23, 1874 Washington, D.C.

Biography

Joseph Shields Wilson was born in Ireland circa 1806 and settled in the District of Columbia at an early age. He became a Messenger in the Department of the Treasury, and then a clerk.[1] With the organization of the Department of the Interior in 1849, he became Chief Clerk of the General Land Office. He was appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office 1860-1861 and then again 1866-1871.[1] His brother, John Wilson was also commissioner.[1]

Wilson died in Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1874.[1][2]

Wilson was the nephew of Congressman James Shields (1762-1831), and the cousin of Senator James Shields (1806-1879).[3]

References

1. Lanman, Charles (1887). Biographical annals of the civil government of the United States. New York: J M Morrison. p. 552.
2. "Obituary, Joseph S. Wilson". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, IL. June 30, 1874. p. 2.
3. "Obituary, Joseph S. Wilson", p. 2.