Wilson, James. United States secretary of agriculture, 1897-1913. Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, 1835. Came to United States in 1851, settling in Connecticut with parents. In 1855 went to Tama County, IA. In 1861, engaged in farming. Member 12th, 13th, and (speaker) 14th assemblies of Iowa. Member Congress, 1873-77, and 1883-85. Regent State University of Iowa, 1870-74. For six years director Agricultural Experiment Station and professor of agriculture, Iowa Agricultural College. Died 1920.

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