WILSON, Rollin Jewett - 1890 Bio (1853-1928)

WILSON, MCKEMEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/5/2007 at 19:06:14

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 292-293

Rollin J. WILSON, of the law firm of WILSON & Hinkle, of Fairfield, was born in the city which is still his home, on the 18th of October, 1853, and is the eldest son of the Hon. James F. WILSON, who is at present United States Senator from Iowa, and whose sketch appears on another page of this work.

Rollin J., the subject of this notice, was educated in the public schools of his native town and in the State University, being graduated from the latter institution on the completion of the classical course, in the spring of 1875. During his last year the college (sic) he was Adjutant of the Military Battalion of the State University. His law studies were pursued under the tutelage of his father and he was admitted to the bar on the 8th of January, 1878, and to practice in the Supreme Court of the State, on the 10th of June, 1880. Two years later he was admitted before Judge Love to practice in the circuit and district courts of the United States. He began his professional career in his native city, and in 1881 formed a partnership with J. M. Hinkle, which has continued to the present. In 1884 Mr. WILSON was appointed local attorney for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and about the same time was chosen attorney for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, which positions he has held continuously since. For three years he filled the office of County Attorney for Jefferson County, by appointment of the Board of Supervisors, and when that office became an elective one he was the first to be called upon to serve in that position, entering upon the duties of the same January 1, 1887. He was then re-elected in the fall of 1889, and is now serving his second term, an efficient and capable officer. In March, 1888, he was elected a member of the Board of Education for a term of three years, and is a member of the committee on plans for building the new schoolhouse, also on the committee for heating and seating the same, and on grades and discipline.

In politics, Mr. WILSON is a decided Republican, but of strong temperance sentiment. He has been an active worker in the temperance cause and was the organizer of the Blue Ribbon Club, of which he was President two years. This was a most popular temperance movement and accomplished much good. During Mr. WILSON's connection with it about three thousand people were induced to sign the pledge, and the influence of the club aided not a little in carrying the county and district for the constitutional amendment of prohibition.

On the 13th of October, 1881, in Fairfield, Mr. WILSON and Miss Mary A. McKEMEY, youngest daughter of Joseph A. McKEMEY, were united in marriage. Mrs. WILSON is a native of Fairfield, where her parents, whose sketch appears on another page of this work, are numbered among the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. WILSON are members of the Congregational Church. Unto them have been born two interesting children, daughters -- Mary Louise and Helen Cynthia.

Mr. WILSON is a member of Forest City Lodge, No, 18, K. P. Although comparatively a young man, he is rapidly winning a foremost place in his chosen profession and the firm of which he is the senior member has its full share of busness in the local and neighboring courts.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.