Robert Wilson (Missouri politician)

Born near Staunton, Virginia, he moved to Howard County, Missouri in 1820 and taught school. In 1825 he was probate judge of Howard County and was clerk of the circuit and county courts from 1829 to 1840. In 1837 he was appointed brigadier general of the State forces and served during the so-called Mormon War. He studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in 1840. Wilson moved to Huntsville, Missouri and was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives in 1844; in 1852 he moved to Andrew County, Missouri and in 1854 was a member of the Missouri Senate.

In 1861, Wilson was a Union delegate to the Missouri Constitutional Convention (1861-63) called to determine the attitude on secession in 1861 and was elected vice president of the convention, later acting as president. He was appointed as a Unionist to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the expulsion of Waldo P. Johnson and served from January 17, 1862, to November 13, 1863, when a successor was elected. He engaged in agricultural pursuits and in 1870 he died in Marshall, Missouri. Interment was in Mount Mora Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.

• United States Congress. "Robert Wilson (id: W000609)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved on 2009-04-28