Alfred M WILSON (VETERAN CSA)

COLONEL
Company C 1st Arkansas Regiment
Civil War Confederate
June 8, 1817 - July 2, 1907

*Obituary
The Springdale News
Friday, July 5, 1907

WILSON, Alfred M. – Col. Alfred M. Wilson died Tuesday morning at his home in Fayetteville. He was 91 years of age and was one of the old pioneers in this section; in his prime being a leading attorney and having filled numerous positions of trust.

*Obituary (News Article)
The Springdale News
Friday, July 19, 1907

Following is a extract from an article published in the Fayetteville Democrat giving a synopsis of the address delivered by the Rev. P.C. Fletcher at the funeral of the late Col. Alfred M. Wilson on Wednesday, July 3: Alfred M. Wilson, son of James and Margaret McElroy Wilson, was born on a farm near Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee, June 8th, 1817 and departed this life from his home in this city, July 2nd., 1907 after a long and heroic pilgrimage of ninety years. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and inherited not a few of the sturdy qualities possessed by his ancestors. His grandfather, Captain William Wilson, immigrated to Kentucky from South Carolina in 1782 and there became associated with, and the intimate companion of Daniel Boone and shared his dangers in the frontier Indian wars, and finally lost his life in an engagement with the Indians. He was a collateral kinsman of James Wilson of revolutionary fame, who signed the Declaration of Independence. On his mother’s side he was related to Gov. Proctor Knott of Kentucky and to Mrs. U.M. Rose of Little Rock. In 1835 Col. Wilson’s father joined the numerous colony of Tennessee immigrants who settled in Northwest Arkansas. He began the study and practice of law at Carrollton, Carroll County, where his brother was engaged in the legal pursuit. He resided in Fayetteville for 66 years and 6 months to the day. He lived to see the place grow from a wilderness settlement to its present industrial and classic proportions. When a young man Col. Wilson borrowed books from his warm personal friend, Gov. Yell, and educated himself in the legal profession and was admitted to the bar at Carrollton in 1839. He rose rapidly and became in after life one of the foremost legal lights in the State. He took part in the first murder case he ever saw tried. From 1841 to 1889 he practiced law continuously in this city, part of the time being associated with his son, Hon. Robert J. Wilson. Col. Wilson held many offices of trust and distinction. For more than half century he was prominently related to the history of the State, rendering always able and efficient service. In 1840, during his absence from the State, the legislature, without his solicitation, elected him prosecuting attorney for the fourth circuit, then embracing ten counties. In 1842 he was re-elected over the opposition of Isaac Murphy, who was governor in the reconstruction period. In 1846 by request, he drafted a bill providing for the liquidation of the old State Bank which became a law. Under provision of this law the legislature unanimously elected him attorney for the Branch State Bank at Fayetteville, the business of which extended over all of Northwest Arkansas. Gov. Yell and Col. McKissick voluntarily made his bond of $30,000. More than $200,000 of the bank’s assets passed through his hands. In 1853, without any knowledge on his part, the Arkansas delegation in Congress unanimously recommended him to President Pierce for the appointment of United States District Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and the president ratified their choice. He was re-appointed by President Buchanan in 1857. He held the office eight years and so faithful and able were his services that Gov. Madill, then solicitor of the treasury, awarded him with $3,000 for extra services, without any solicitation therefore. He served a term in the Arkansas legislature in 1848. He also served two sessions in the State Senate, 1877 and 1879. In 1880 he barely failed of being nominated for governor. His friends at different times urged him to run for Congress and the United States Senate. In 1889 he was appointed by President Harrison as the Democratic member of the Cherokee Commission, organized under an act of Congress, and he was the only member of that Commission who served from the date of its organization till it was dissolved after a duration of five years. On that Commission he served with Gov. Fairchild of Wisconsin; Gov. Jerome of Michigan; Gov. Hantraft of Penn. and Hon. Warren G. Sayre of Indiana. After his retirement from the Commission he ceased the practice of law and spent the residue of his life in the quiet, peaceful confines of his home which he always loved and rendered blessed and gladsome. Col. Wilson was twice married. First to Miss Isabella Dickson of Tennessee on May 29, 1849. Her death occurred in 1857 –a half century ago. His second marriage was to Mrs. Margaret E. Rhoades on Feb. 13, 1870. She survives him and her beautiful devotion and gentle ministries did much to sweeten and gladden his latter years. Four children blessed the first union – Robert J., George E., Joseph D. and Frank P. The first three reside in the city; the latter died in 1879. Three children blessed the second union, Mrs. Belle Bollinger of St. Louis; Miss Neil D. Wilson and Hugh D. Wilson of this city. He also reared and educated with a father’s love and pride, his three step-daughters; Mrs. R.J. Wilson and Mrs. W.H. Cravens of this city and Mrs. C.D. Greaves of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mrs. Greaves only child, C.D. Adams of St. Louis, was likewise reared by Mr. Wilson He knew no other home till he was ten years old. The Civil War found Col. Wilson in the possession of a handsome fortune, accumulated by his talent and prudent management, but it was all swept away in the destructive flood of conflict. He heartily espoused the cause of the South and took part in the strife as commander of a local military organization and was engaged in a number of serious battles. The torch was applied to his fine mansion and many other building belonging to him and the close of the war found him and his family without shelter and penniless. He moved into an old deserted shanty and went to work to support his family and rebuild his fortune. In this period of his life he displayed remarkable courage as his noble soul struggled in the face of overwhelming disadvantages. The house in which he offered up his heroic soul to God was built after the war and upon the site of the former residence which was erected in 1853, in what was then the wilderness. All of his children were reared and have grown to manhood and womanhood on the hill where the present home is situated. Col. Wilson was a progressive and public spirited citizen at all times. The present location of the State University is due more to the efforts of Col. Alfred M. Wilson, Judge Gregg, Col. Pettigrew and Col. Gunter than to any other influence or agency. They took the stump and made many speeches in favor of issuing bonds. He lived to see it rise from a little school in a log and board building to the great institution it is today with an enrollment of over 1300 the last session. He was a strong advocate of railroads and did much toward the railroad extensions in Northwest Arkansas.

*Obituary (News Article)
Fayetteville Democrat
Saturday, November 13, 1875

Col. A.M. Wilson, who returned from Bentonville this week, informs us that a couple of men from Kansas came down to Benton county after a load of apples, the other day and while encamped a few miles from Bentonville, killed and salted down a fine hog that belonged to an honest old farmer nearby. A special term of circuit court being in session the grand jury was called, a true bill of indictment found against them, and the two gentlemen now take their hash in the Benton county jail, awaiting the mercy of Col. Sam Peel.

*Obituary (News Article)
Fayetteville Democrat
Saturday, August 12, 1876

(1876 County Canvass held at Kenneth Head’s place in Brush Creek Township) The next thing on the programme was the discussion between the candidates for State Senate, and space admonishes us to be brief in our notice of their speeches. Col. Wilson made the opening speech. He said that he was like the other fellows, “been crowded to the front by his friends.” His remarks were principally confined to the financial condition of the State, its causes and remedy for the most speedy relief; charged that the indebtedness of the State, when it fell into the hands of the carpet-baggers was only about three million dollars; but under a few years of radical rule it had been increased to eighteen or twenty millions; and that the radical party was responsible for the heavy load of taxes under which the people are now groaning. He wanted the greatest reduction made in the expenses of every branch of the government, but warned the people not to expect that reduction sooner than it could possibly be made. The views of the speaker on all illegal indebtedness are correct.

*Obituary (News Article)
Fayetteville Democrat
Saturday, May 1, 1880

Hon. A.M. Wilson, of Fayetteville, one of the most prominent candidates for Governor, has an appointment to address the people of this section here next Saturday. Col. Wilson is a man whose character, politically and otherwise, is unspotted and whose enemies, if he has any, cannot reproach. True to the principles of democracy, always, he has stood firm for the peoples interests, we think, the very safest man for Governor. (Mineral Wells Telephone)

*Obituary (News Article)
Fayetteville Democrat
Thursday, February 16, 1882

Col. A.M. Wilson was out hauling rails Monday and building a new fence around his orchard. “Old Honest Alf” has one of the finest orchards, of the best and greatest varieties of fruits, around here, planted and nursed by himself and the boys. With a good fruit year his orchard will be worth more to him than a circuit judge’s salary.

*Obituary (News Article)
Fayetteville Democrat
Thursday, April 13, 1882

Hon. A.M. Wilson (Honest Alf) of Fayetteville, called on us this week. This elegant old gentleman performed an active part both as a lawyer and official in antebellum days. As is well known, he came near getting the nomination for governor at the last Democratic State Convention, and had such been the case Arkansas would have had a governor of whom she could have felt proud. He has been strongly solicited to again make the canvass in the coming campaign, but he informs us that he will positively not be a candidate. – Bentonville Advance

*Obituary
Fayetteville Democrat
Thursday, July 4, 1907

The Death of Col. A.M. Wilson – Col. A.M. Wilson passed peacefully to rest at 7:30 Tuesday morning, at his home in this city from the infirmities of age, He had been in declining health for several years and long since ceased his visits to town. Early last winter he received severe injuries from a fall and after that was seldom able to leave his bed. He was 90 years of age and came to Fayetteville from his native home in Murray County, Tennessee, about 1841, and here he spent the remainder of his long and useful life.

*Obituary
Fayetteville Democrat
Thursday, July 11, 1907

A Great Life Ended – The following is a synopsis of the remarks made by Rev. P.C. Fletcher at the funeral of the late Col. Alfred M. Wilson, on Wednesday, July 3rd, 1907: :Alfred M. Wilson, son of James and Margaret McElroy Wilson, was born on a farm near Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee June 8th, 1817, and departed this life from his home in this city, July 2nd, 1907, after a long and heroic pilgrimage of ninety years. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and inherited not a few of the sturdy qualities possessed by his ancestors. His grandfather, Captain William Wilson, immigrated to Kentucky from South Carolina in 1782, and there became associated with and the intimate companion of Daniel Boone, and shared his dangers in the frontier Indian wars, and finally lost his life in an engagement with the Indians. He was a collateral kinsman of James Wilson, of revolutionary fame, who signed the Declaration of Independence. On his mothers side he was related to Gov. Proctor Knott, of Kentucky, and to Mrs. U.M. Rose of Little Rock.

In 1835 Col. Wilson’s father joined the numerous colony of Tennessee immigrants who settled in Northwest Arkansas. He began the study and practice of law at old Carrollton, Carroll County, where his brother was engaged in the legal pursuit. He resided in Fayetteville for 66 years and six months to the day. He lived to see the place grow from a wilderness settlement to the present industrial and classic proportions.

When a young man Col. Wilson borrowed books from his warm personal friend, Gov. Yell, and educated himself in the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar at Carrollton in 1839. He rose rapidly and became in after life one of the foremost legal lights of the State. He took part in the first murder case he ever saw tried. From 1841 to 1889 he practiced law continuously in this city, part of the time being associated with his son, Hon. Robert J. Wilson.

Col. Wilson held many offices of trust and distinction. For more than a half century he was prominently related to the history of the State, rendering always able and efficient service. In 1840, during his absence from the State, the legislature, without his solicitation, elected him prosecuting attorney for the fourth circuit, then embracing ten counties. In 1842 he was re-elected over the opposition of Isaac Murphy, who was governor during the re-construction period. In 1846, by request, he drafted the bill providing for the liquidation of the old State Bank, which became a law. Under the provision of this law the legislature unanimously elected him attorney for the Branch State Bank at Fayetteville, the business of which extended over all Northwest Arkansas. Gov. Yell and Col. McKissick voluntarily made his bond of $30,000. More than $300,000 of the bank’s assets passed through his hands. In 1853, without any knowledge on his part, the Arkansas delegation in Congress recommended him to President Pierce for the appointment of United States District Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, and the President ratified their choice. He was re-appointed in 1857 by President Buchanan. He held the office eight years, and so faithful and able were his services that Gov. Madill, then solicitor of the treasury, awarded him with $3,000 for extra services, without any solicitation therefore. He served a term in the Arkansas legislature, in 1848. He also served two sessions in the State Senate, 1877 and 1879. In 1880 he barely failed of being nominated as the candidate for governor. His friends at different times urged him to run for Congress and the United States Senate. In 1889 he was appointed by President Harrison as the Democratic member of the Cherokee Commission, organized under an act of Congress, and he was the only member of the Commission who served from its date of organization till it was dissolved after a duration of five years. On that Commission, he served with Gov. Fairchild of Wisconsin, Gov. Jerome of Michigan, Gov. Hantraft of Pennsylvania, and Hon. Warren G. Hayre of Indiana. After his retirement from the Commission, he ceased to practice law, and spent the residue of his life to the quiet, peaceful and delightful confines of his home, which he always loved and rendered blessed and gladsome.

Col. Wilson was twice married. First to Miss Isabella Dickson, of Tennessee, on May 29, 1849. Her death occurred in 1857 –an half century ago. His second marriage was to Mrs. Margaret E. Rhoades, on February 18,1870. She survives him and her beautiful devotion and gentle ministries did much to sweeten and gladden his later years. Four children blessed the first union –Robert J., George E., Joseph D. and Frank P. The first three reside in this city; the latter died in 1879. Three children blessed the second union –Mrs. Belle Bollinger of St. Louis; Miss Nell D. Wilson, and Hugh D. Wilson of this city. He also reared and educated, with a father’s love and pride, his three step-daughters, Mrs. R.J. Wilson and Mrs. W.H. Cravens, of this city and Mrs. C.D. Greaves, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mrs. Cravens only child, C.D. Adams of St. Louis, was likewise reared by Mr. Wilson. He knew no other home till he was ten years old.

The Civil War found Col. Wilson in possession of a handsome fortune, accumulated by his talent and prudent management, but it was all swept away in the destructive flood of conflict. He heartily espoused the cause of the South, and took part in the strife as commander of a local military organization, and was engaged in a number of serious battles. The torch was applied to his fine mansion and many other buildings belonging to him, and the close of the war found him and his family without shelter and penniless. He moved into an old deserted shanty, and went to work to support his family and rebuild his fortune. In this period of his life he displayed remarkable courage, as his noble soul struggled in the face of overwhelming disadvantages. The house in which he offered up his heroic soul to God was built after the war and upon the site of the former residence, which was erected in 1853, in what then was a wilderness. All of his children were reared and have grown to manhood and womanhood on the hill where the present home is situated.

Col. Wilson was a progressive and public spirited citizen at all times. The present location of the State University is due more to the efforts of Col. Alfred M. Wilson, Judge Gregg, Col. Pettigrew and Col. Gunter than to any other influence or agency. They took the stump and made many speeches in favor of issuing bonds. He lived to see it rise from a little school in a log and board building to the great institution that it is today with an enrollment of over 1300 the last session. He was a strong advocate of railroads and did much toward the railroad extensions in Northwest Arkansas.

The life of this great man spanned the greatest century of the world’s history. Since his birth the innovations and discoveries that have revolutionized the habitable earth have been made. He was born before there was a railroad, a telegraph, a telephone, a cable and electric lights, an electric car or any of the inventions with which the present generation is so familiar.

He was born two years before Queen Victoria and she preceded him across the mystic river by six years, after having reigned for sixty-four years. He was a bare-foot boy in Tennessee when the eyes of the world were turned on St. Helena, where the great Napoleon was held a prisoner by England. He was contemporary with every President of the United States except George Washington. He was born nine years before Adams, the second President, died. He lived to see the population of the United States increase from 11,000,000 to over 80,000,000, and the States increase from nineteen to forty-five.

In not a few respects Mr. Wilson was one of the most remarkable characters of his century and State. He was the kind of man whose character and achievements illuminate the pages of the world’s history. Arkansas’ future historians will accord him a lofty and safe place in the annuls of her noble sons. Mr. Wilson possessed a number of charming characteristics, which drew to him many friends and admirers. He was first of all a man of deep and positive convictions. He had an indomitable purpose to do the right as he saw it. Courage was another element of his strength. He seemed to fear nothing but wrong. So downright was his honesty that he was for years called by his friends, “Honest Alf Wilson.” He possessed a rich and striking vein of original wit and humor, which ever made him a delight to any and every circle of which he formed a part. He was a man of remarkable self-reliance; was always buoyant and hopeful; and his tenderness and sympathy really encircled the world. His life was one series of kindly deeds. He never turned a needy person from his door if he could help him. His charity was liberal to the extreme. He was Democratic in all of his inclinations. With him caste and rank had little influence. He estimated men for what they were and might become, not by the artificial standards of politics and society. His life was a strenuous battle from its beginning until his retirement. He was often in the midst of the heat and bitterness of political strife, when men grappled with each other as for life, but when he returned to the seclusion of his happy home, he took with him none of the spirit of the conflict, but to the contrary he eliminated from his mind and heart every thought and passion that savored not mercy, kindliness and good cheer. His last years were years of sweetness, gentleness and brotherly love. Surrounded by his devoted wife, children and friends, he spent the evening of his life free from the noise, the conflict and the cares of the busy outer world.

Mr. Wilson was not a church man, but he held all holy things holy. He was a great reader of God’s Word, especially in his later years. He was never heard to express a doubt about revelation, or a fear of the hereafter. His mind did not move in the ordinary channels of most men who believe in the eternal verities, but he had a profound sense of right and wrong, and his heart often moved toward the throne of the Infinite. With him God was a reality and religion a principle to be lived rather than merely professed. He saw God all around him. The mountains were God’s thoughts all piled up. The rivers were God’s thoughts in motion. The oceans were God’s thoughts embedded. The dew drops were God’s thoughts in pearls.

Great was this man’s life. Quiet and peaceful his death. Blessed his reward. Stilled is the mighty heart. Quenched the imperious life. Gone the dauntless spirit. At rest the turbulent emotions. At home with God is the noble soul.

*Source: Sons of Confederate Veterans, Washington County, Arkansas 2009
Compiled by William W Degge

Contributed on 5/18/23 by judyfrog
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