James Wilson was born on September 8, 1776 and is recorded as living at the Burnham house at the town centre. His occupation while in town was that of a brick maker, and he married Mary Gregg, the daughter of William Gregg who was born on May 13, 1777. When the War of 1812 broke out he joined the United States Navy as a seaman, and was nicknamed, "Sailor James". While in England during the war he was found by a press gang who attempted to impress him into service to the British navy. Being a patriotic American, Wilson, "sturdily refused to fight against his country", and as a result was incarcerated in Dartmoor Prison. The prison was built in Devon, England in 1809 to house French prisoners during the Napoleonic wars. During the war of 1812, Wilson joined about 4,800 other American prisoners of war who were imprisoned at Dartmoor.
By the conclusion of war Wilson was released and returned home to Windham. However, he only stayed in town for about one year after his return and then went to Baltimore. According to Morrison, James Wilson, "was never heard from again". Mary continued to live in their home at the centre and died on April 13, 1855. Their son, Benjamin F Wilson, went on to occupy the house. Benjamin was born on January 3, 1807 and spent most of his life in town. Below is a bill from David Morse of Haverhill to James Wilson from 1799. There are several entries on the bill for transactions months apart, but the only item mentioned is nails.
By the conclusion of war Wilson was released and returned home to Windham. However, he only stayed in town for about one year after his return and then went to Baltimore. According to Morrison, James Wilson, "was never heard from again". Mary continued to live in their home at the centre and died on April 13, 1855. Their son, Benjamin F Wilson, went on to occupy the house. Benjamin was born on January 3, 1807 and spent most of his life in town. Below is a bill from David Morse of Haverhill to James Wilson from 1799. There are several entries on the bill for transactions months apart, but the only item mentioned is nails.
Bill from David Morse to James Wilson
"Mr James Wilson Bill of Winham [sic]"
