Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 December 1908 — Writes Up Jesse E. Wilson. [ARTICLE]

Writes Up Jesse E. Wilson.

A page ih the Sunday Indianapoliil Star wan devoted to Writing up Hoosiers who are {ed&al office holders and the following was said about our townsman, Hon. Jesse E. Wilson, whose picture was published in a gallery of other distinguished Hoosiers. The Star said: The Interior Department also has three Indianans holding high official positions. Jesse E. Wilson, of Rensselaer, assistant secretary of the interior, is one of the most popular Hoosiers in Washington. Mr. Wilson was bom in Owen County, Indiana. He was educated at Indiana University and was graduated from the law department of that institution in 1896. After graduating he chose Rensselaer as the scene of his future labors, and there entered upon the active practice of his profession, soon obtaining a very lucrative business. Like all Hoosiers, he took an active part in politics and allied himself with the republican party. In 1892 he was elected to the Indiana House, of Representatives and In 1906 was appointed assistant secretary of the Interior by President Roosevelt. Mr. Wilson came to Washington without any previous knowledge of public office, but as much of the duties of his new position are In the line of his profession it did not take him long to get “the hang” of affairs, and be is now admitted to be one of the best men who have held that office. All pension appeals, matters connected with patents and concerning Indians are directly In his charge, and he also has supervision over certain disbursements from the contingent fund. He has obtained such a grasp of the dutiee of his office that he administers them with ease and lack of friction hitherto unknown. He is never In a hurry, never flustered, but takes up and dispatches business with a promptness that bas made him one of the most popular officials at the capital. In July last he was designated by the President as chairman of the United States commission having charge of the Government exhibit at the Yukon-Alaskan Exposition. The disbursement of $126,000 of the $6000,000 appropriated for the Government exhibit (SIOO,OOO for Alaska and $25,000 for Hawaii) conies directly under the supervision of Mr. Wilson as assistant secretary of the interior.