Benjamin Davis Wilson
Benjamin Davis Wilson | |
|---|---|
| 9th Chair of Los Angeles County | |
| In office December 3, 1861 – December 2, 1862 | |
| Preceded by | Abel Stearns |
| Succeeded by | Julius Morris |
| 2nd Mayor of Los Angeles | |
| In office May 7, 1851 – May 4, 1852 | |
| Preceded by | Alpheus P. Hodges |
| Succeeded by | John G. Nichols |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 1, 1811 Wilson County, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | March 11, 1878 (aged 66) San Gabriel, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | San Gabriel Cemetery, San Gabriel, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | U.S. and Mexican citizen |
| Spouse(s) | Ramona Yorba, Margaret Hereford |
| Relations | George S. Patton (grandson) |
| Children | 1 |
| Occupation | Statesman |
Benjamin Davis Wilson (December 1, 1811 – March 11, 1878), commonly known as Don Benito Wilson, was an American-Mexican politician, fur trapper, and ranchero of California. Born in Tennessee to parents from Virginia, Wilson eventually settled in Alta California when it was part of the Republic of Mexico, and acquired Rancho Jurupa. He became a naturalized Mexican citizen and married into a prominent Californio family.
Following the American Conquest of California, Wilson acquired considerable other property, some from Mexicans struggling to retain their land grants. Having served on the Common Council of Los Angeles, he later was elected to a term as the second mayor of the city after California was admitted as a state.