Wilson, Samuel Bailey, 1873 - 1954. Papers, 1895 - 1937

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 1223

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is made up of mostly newspaper clippings assembled in scrapbooks. Two separate bound volumes of clippings are included, as are two more volumes that are loose pages. All of the newspaper clippings deal with Wilson’s time as the Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Many photographs and drawings of Wilson and his family are also included. They portray Wilson at various stages of his life, and include images of his wife and children. The diplomas of his wife Daisy Sheehan (from the State Normal School, Mankato), and his son S. Bailey Wilson (from Mankato Public Schools) are also included. Wilson’s certificate of appointment to the State Supreme Court is also a part of the collection.

Dates

1895-1937

Biographical / Historical

Samuel Bailey Wilson was born in Missouri, May 12, 1873. He graduated from the State Normal School in Mankato in 1894, and then attended the University of Minnesota Law School, where he graduated in 1896. He married Daisy Sheehan of Mankato, June 21, 1899. They had four children.

Wilson practiced law in Mankato, served four years on the Board of Education, was probate judge (1898 – 1900), and county attorney (1900 – 1908). He served on the board of directors of the National Bank of Commerce, National Citizens Bank, Mankato Citizens Telephone Company, and of the Mankato soybean plant.

J. A. O. Preus, governor, appointed Wilson chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1923. He served until 1933, when he resigned to return to Mankato. After his return, he practiced law with his son during this time in Mankato. Wilson died in Mankato, January 24, 1954.

Biographical information obtained from: Marquis, Albert Nelson. The Book of Minnesotans, Chicago: A. N. Marquis, 1907; Toy Wilson Blethen, his daughter; and the Mankato Free Press, January 25, 1954.

Extent

5.00 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of information related to Samuel Bailey Wilson’s years as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme court. Most of the items included in this collection are newspaper clippings about his tenure in the Supreme Court. The newspaper clippings are chronologically arranged, and assembled in scrapbook format. Also included in the collection are photographs of Wilson and his family, the diplomas awarded to his wife and son, and Wilson’s certificate of appointment.