On the occasion of Independence Day 2012, the International Story project looks to its pioneering International Scottish students, and there is no one so apt to celebrate Independence Day as James Wilson, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA and University of Glasgow Alumnus.
Justice James Wilson
James Wilson was born in Carskerdo, Fife, in 1742 and began his studies in Scotland, attending various classes at the University of Glasgow between 1762 and 1765. James Wilson, on several occasions, signed the Student Receipt Book used for borrowing books.
In 1764, Wilson also signed the stent roll for John Anderson’s Natural Philosophy class. Anderson, or “Jolly Jack Phosphorus” to his students, was a leading Scientist and pioneer of vocational education for working people in his belief the application of science to industry. As well as being a leading Scientist, aquianted with Benjamin Franklin, Anderson was also known for his radical politics. Other such influencing factors during Wilson’s years at Glasgow would have been the Wealth of Nation‘s author Adam Smith, at that time Professor of Moral Philosophy (1752-1764), who endorsed American independence, and his former student, John Millar, Professor of Law from 1761-1801, and himself a supporter of American independence.
To find out more you can read the full blog post on the International Story blog.
Categories: Archive Services (GUAS)
Tags: archive services, GUAS, International, International Story, students, USA
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Perhaps he signed the stent roll for John Anderson’s Natural Philosophy class in 1764?
Yes you are right! Thanks for spotting our error!