Bluford Wilson (November 30, 1841 – July 15, 1924) was a Union Army officer in the Civil War and a government official who served as Solicitor of the United States Treasury.
Early life Bluford Wilson was born near Shawneetown, Illinois on November 30, 1841.U.S. Passport Applications, 1795–1925, entry for Bluford Wilson, dated August 27, 1890, accessed December 4, 201 He studied at McKendree College and the University of Michigan Law School before enlisting for the American Civil War.The Bench and Bar of Illinois, edited by John McAuley Palmer, Volume 1, 1899, pages 221 to 223
Military career Wilson joined the 120th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He soon received an officer's commission and appointment as regimental adjutant. He later served on several other staffs, including that of the XIII Corps, taking part in numerous battles and campaigns, including Champion Hill, Black River and the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Red River Campaign. He was discharged with the rank of major at the end of the war.American Biography: A New Cyclopedia, published by American Historical Company, Inc., New York City, Volume 25, 1926, pages 43 to 45
For the rest of his life Wilson was active in the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.Register of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, published by the legion, 1906, page 246Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Sangamon County, published by Munsell Publishing Company, Chicago, Volume II, 1912, entry for Bluford Wilson
Legal career Wilson resumed studying law at the University of Michigan Law School, graduated in 1866, and was admitted to the bar in 1867.General Register of the University of Michigan, published by the University, 1866, page 47The 1903 Michiganensian, published by the university, 1903, page 423
A Republican, Wilson was appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois in 1869.Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States, published by U.S. Government Printing Office, Volume 17, 1901, page 195The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, by Ulysses Simpson Grant, edited by John Y. Simon, Volume 25, 2003, page 365
In 1874 Wilson received appointment as Solicitor of the Treasury, which he held until 1876.Register of the Department of Justice, published by the department, 1885, page 4
Wilson's rise through the ranks of federal appointed office were based in part on his family's relationship with President Ulysses S. Grant. Bluford Wilson's brother Major General James H. Wilson served on Grant's staff and as one of Grant's subordinate commanders during the Civil War.The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant: April 1 – July 6, 1863, by Ulysses Simpson Grant, edited by John Y. Simon, 1979, page 543The Pioneer History of Illinois, 1887, page 368
As Solicitor Wilson played a key role in exposing the Whiskey Ring. He conducted an investigation into the frauds, reported his findings to his superiors, and attempted through his brother James to warn President Grant. When Grant moved to protect members of his administration and prevent prosecutions, Wilson resigned.The Class of 1861: Custer, Ames, and Their Classmates After West Point, by Ralph Kirshner and George A. Plimpton, 2008, page 134Magazine article, Downfall of the Whiskey Ring, Scribner's magazine, Volume 18, Number 3 (September, 1895), page 274Hamilton Fish: The Inner History of the Grant Administration, by Hamilton Fish, Volume 2, 1957, page 790
Later life After leaving government service Wilson settled in Springfield, Illinois, where he practiced law and became involved in the construction and management of several railroads.Newspaper article, "Arrangements for Funeral of Major Bluford Wilson," Freeport Journal-Standard, July 16, 1924Newspaper article, "Is Named Receiver," Edwardsville Intelligencer, July 23, 1924
During the Spanish–American War Wilson offered his services; the governor authorized him to raise a regiment and he was commissioned a Colonel in the Illinois militia, but the war ended before his regiment could see active service.Philo History: Chronicles and Biographies of the Philosophian Literary Society of Mckendree College, edited by Paul and Chester Farthing, 1911, pages 74 to 76
Death and burial Wilson died in Springfield on July 15, 1924.Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916–1947, entry for Bluford Wilson, accessed December 4, 2011 He was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
Family In 1865 Wilson married Alice Warren Mather of Louisville, Kentucky, and they were the parents of five children. Harry died in infancy. Jessie was the wife of Phillip Barton Warren. Lucy was the wife of Ralph Vance Dickerman. Bluford died during his senior year at Yale University. Arthur graduated from West Point in 1904, attained the rank of Colonel during a career that spanned the years 1904 to 1942, and received the Medal of Honor during the Philippine Insurrection.Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Sangamon County , published by Munsell Publishing Company, Chicago, Volume II, 1912, entry for Bluford Wilson
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