Charles Lush Wilson (Bateman, 1907)

WILSON, Charles Lush, journalist, was born in Fairfield County, Conn., Oct. 10, 1818, educated in the common schools and at an academy in his native State, and, in 1835, removed to Chicago, entering the employment of his older brothers, who were connected with the construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal at Joliet. His brother, Richard L., having assumed charge of "The Chicago Daily Journal" (the successor of "The Chicago American"), in 1844, Charles L. took a position in the office, ultimately securing a partnership, which continued until the death of his brother in 1856, when he succeeded to the ownership of the paper. Mr. Wilson was an ardent friend and supporter of Abraham Lincoln for the United States Senate in 1858, but, in I860, favored the nomination of Mr. Seward for the Presidency, though earnestly supporting Mr. Lincoln after his nomination. In 1861 he was appointed Secretary of the American Legation at London, serving with the late Minister Charles Francis Adams, until 1864, when he resigned and resumed his connection with "The Journal." In 1875 his health began to fail, and three years later, having gone to San Antonio, Tex., in the hope of receiving benefit from a change of climate, he died in that city, March 9, 1878.