WILSON, JAMES (1813-86) was born at Edinburgh and educated in the Academy there and at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. Ordained deacon in 1836, he was curate of Preston, Lancashire, and Solihull, Warwickshire. Having purchased land in the Canterbury settlement, he came out as chaplain in the Isabella Hercus (1851) and commenced farming at Heathcote, where 'Wilson's road' was afterwards constructed. Later he moved to Broomfield, upper Riccarton. He was a progressive farmer, but was mainly noteworthy for his services in the adjustment of the arrangements between the Canterbury Association, the Government, the Bishop of New Zealand and the Provincial Council regarding the bishopric of Christchurch and Christ's College. With Tancred he attended the church conference in 1857 and helped to draft the constitution. He was for many years a member of the diocesan and general synods. In 1866 he was appointed a canon, and in 1871 archdeacon of Akaroa. He died on 16 Jan 1886.

Lyttelton Times, 19 Jan 1886.

Reference: Volume 2, page 263

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