BIO: Thomas WILSON, Dauphin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
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http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, page 333.
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  WILSON, THOMAS, of Scotch-Irish parentage, was born in Philadelphia 
about 1768.  He learned the trade of a printer, was a gentleman of 
considerable literary attainments, and wrote freely on the subjects of 
his time for the leading newspapers of his native city.  In 1811 he 
removed to Baltimore, where he conducted a newspaper.  In defense of 
that city, when attacked by the British in 1814, he enlisted as a 
private in Capt. James McConkey's company of the Twenty-seventh 
regiment of Maryland volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. Kennedy Long.  
In 1816 Mr. Wilson returned to Philadelphia, where he became foreman on 
Mr. Duane's newspaper, The Aurora, contributing also to its columns.  
He died at Philadelphia about 1828.  He married Lydia Oakford, of 
English parentage, who survived her husband several years.  Mr. Wilson 
was the author of a number of works, the names of only two, however, 
coming to our knowledge, "The Biography of the Principal Military and 
Naval Heroes, comprehending details of their achievements during the 
Revolutionary and late wars," two volumes, published by John Low, 130 
Cherry street, New York, 1821, and "The Picture of Philadelphia for 
1824," published by Thomas Town, 38 Chestnut street, Philadelphia.