Joseph ruggles wilson biography

American theologian and father of Woodrow Wilson (1822–1903)

Joseph Ruggles Wilson Sr. (February 28, 1822 – January 21, 1903)^[1] was a prominent American Presbyterian theologian and father of President Woodrow Wilson, Nashville Banner editor Joseph Ruggles Wilson Jr., and Anne E.

Wilson Howe.^[2] In 1861, as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia, he organized the General Assembly of the newly formed Presbyterian Church in the United States, known as the Southern Presbyterian Church, and served as its clerk (chief executive officer) for 37 years.

Life and work

Wilson was born in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of Mary Anne (Adams) and James Wilson, who were Protestant immigrants from Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland (today in Northern Ireland).

He graduated from Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College) in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania in 1844.^[3] He taught literature at Washington & Jeffers