James Caldwell Willson (April 28, 1833 – August 29, 1912) was a Michigan politician.[1][2]
James C. Willson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 20th Mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan | |
| In office 1879–1880 | |
| Preceded by | Jerome Eddy |
| Succeeded by | Zacheus Chase[1][2] |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 28, 1833 Fitzroy Harbour, Upper Canada |
| Died | August 29, 1912 (aged 79) Flint, Michigan |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Rhoda Macomber Crapo[3] |
| Relations | John R. and Eliza (Riddell) Willson, Parents Dr. George B. Willson, cousin[4] Henry H. Crapo, father-in-law[5] |
| Children | George Crapo Willson |
| Residence | Willson Park |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Profession | Medical[5] |
Early life
editOn April 28, 1833, Willson was born in Fitzroy Harbour, Upper Canada. Going to New York, he attended a district school and taught for a year. Moving on to Olean, New York, he was involved in making daguerreotypes. In the fall of 1855, Willson move to Ann Arbor to study at the University of Michigan medical department. In 1857, he started practicing medicine in the office of R. D. Lamond in Flint. Returning in 1858 to the University, Willson graduated in 1859 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. Back in Flint, he joined his cousin's, Dr. George B. Willson, practice.[4] He serve as a Union Army major in the American Civil War.[5] In 1861, he was a surgeon to the Tenth Michigan Infantry. Willson was transfer to the Eight Michigan Infantry. He was honorable discharged in March 1863 because of ill health. On May 18, 1865, he married Rhoda Crapo, daughter of Governor Henry H. Crapo. That same year, he was sent to Washington, D.C., as the appointed Michigan military agent. Willson joined and was active in two Civil War organizations: the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion.[4] On the death of Henry Crapo, the Willsons moved into the Crapo Mansion in Flint at First and Clifford (now Wallenberg Street) Streets, now known as Willson Park and part of the University of Michigan–Flint Campus.[6]
Political life
editHe was elected as the twentieth mayor of the City of Flint in 1879 serving a 1-year term.[1][5][4] Additional, from 1881 to 1884, Willson served on the City of Flint School Board. As a trustee for the Michigan School for the Deaf, Willson served a six-year term.[4]
Post-political life
editWillson became involved in businesses serving as Flint Gas Company's and Genesee County Savings Bank's president. His wife died on May 8, 1907, and buried in Glenwood Cemetery.[4]
James C. Willson died in Flint on August 29, 1912.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Chapter XIII: Roster of City Officials". History of Genesee County, Michigan, Her People, Industries and Institutions. Michigan Historical Commission. 1916. Archived from the original on January 16, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
- ^ a b List of Flint City Mayors. Political Graveyards.com
- ^ "Henry Howland Crapo Family Papers". Genesee Historical Collections Center. University of Michigan-Flint. Archived from the original on September 6, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f "Mayor James C. Willson M.D." Flint Timeline Project. Flint Public Library. Archived from the original on May 31, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
- ^ a b c d Index to Politicians: Willison to Wilsnack -- Willson, James C. Entry. Political Graveyards.com
- ^ Brennan, James. "Henry Howland Crapo/Willson Park". Michigan Historical Markers. James Brennan. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2009.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Pioneer Michigan Physician Taken". Detroit Free Press. Flint, Michigan. August 30, 1912. p. 8. Retrieved June 13, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.