Wilson, Robert Bruce, 1828-1887.

Robert Bruce Wilson (1828-1887) was a prominent physician involved with the early development of Portland, Oregon. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, he studied medicine at the University of Virginia but was hindered in his occupation by an injury to his left eye. He came to California during the gold rush of 1849 and practiced medicine in San Francisco. After serving as surgeon aboard the coastal steamer Gold Hunter, Wilson settled in Portland in 1850. In 1854 he married the eldest daughter of Captain John H. Couch, a prominent Portland business leader and developer of the original downtown district. Wilson lived in Portland until his death from pneumonia in August of 1887.