Biographical Note
Born in Calexico, Imperial County, California on April 5, 1916, Bob Wilson attended local public schools in Calexico. The Wilson family moved to San Diego, California in 1928. While attending San Diego State College, Wilson worked as a newsboy, grocery clerk, and theater usher. Wilson also attended the Otis Art Institute, working part-time as a milk route salesman, and later as the merchandising manager for a dairy. During WWII, Wilson operated Conship Commissary, served in the Coast Guard Reserve (Port Security Service) and as a private in the United State Army. After the war, Wilson joined an advertising agency in San Diego as a partner and Vice president.
Elected in 1952 as a Republican (83rd Congress) from what was then California's 30th District (all of San Diego City and County), Wilson rose to the position of ranking minority member of the House Armed Services Committee. He also served from 1960-64 as House Republican Election Committee chairman. Wilson was one of the originators of the 1951 California movement that resulted in Dwight Eisenhower's presidential candidacy. He retired in 1980.
From the guide to the Robert Carlton (Bob) Wilson Papers, 1953-1980, (Special Collections & University Archives: Finding Aid Database)
