JAMES HARRISON WILSON - (1837-1925) - Army Engineer,
born near Shawneetown, Ill. Graduated at West Point
1860, early in Civil War became acting aide-de-camp to
McClellan. As Chief Engineer of Army of the Tennessee,
took part in operations at Vicksburg, and with the rank
of Brigadier-general of Volunteers fought at
Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, and Knoxville. Given
command of 3rd Division of Sheridan's calvary corps in
Army of the Potomac, rendered valuable services, and
after Shenandoah Campaign commanded cavalry corps of
Military Division of the Mississippi. Raiding into
Georgia and Alabama, captured five cities, 238 guns and
many prisoners (including Jefferson Davis) within 28
days, for those services brevetted Major-General in
regular Army. Retired 1870 to engage in railroad
construction, but rejoined Army in Spanish-American War,
commanding 2st Division of 1st Army Corps at Puerto
Rico; took part in China Relief Expedition (1900).