Alfred McElroy Wilson, born in Lincoln County, Tennessee, in 1817, settled with his family in Washington County, Arkansas, in 1837. He borrowed law books from Governor Yell which he studied, and was admitted to the bar in Fayetteville, part of the time being associated with his son, Hon. Robert J. Wilson.

Col. Wilson held many offices of trust and distinction. In 1840, during his absence from the state, the legislature without his knowledge elected him prosecuting attorney for the fourth circuit, then embracing ten counties. He was re-elected in 1842. In 1852, without his knowledge, the Arkansas delegation in Congress recommended him for appointment as U. S. district attorney for the western district of Arkansas, and the president ratified their choice. By re-appointment, he held the office for eight years. He was a member of the Arkansas legislature from 1848 to 1852, and of the state senate from 1877 to 1881. In 1889 he was appointed a member of the Cherokee commission, serving the full five years the commission existed. After retiring from this office, he retired from public life.

Mr. Wilson was first married to Miss Isabella Dickson, who died in 1857. In 1870, he married Mrs. Margaret E. Rhodes. In addition to his own three children, he reared and educated three step-daughters.

The Civil War found Mr. Wilson in possession of a handsome fortune. As colonel of a local military organization during the conflict, he took part in several serious battles. The end of the war found his home burned and his fortune gone. He moved into an old shanty and went to work to rebuild his fortune.

Mr. Wilson was one of the most influential men in getting the University located in Fayetteville. He was a progressive and public spirited citizen.

Colonel Wilson died July 5, 1907. The funeral services were held at the family residence, built after the War, at 502 West Maple Street, Fayetteville. His obituary is found in the Arkansas Sentinel for July 10, 1907.