Nicholas Wilson (1786-1825) and his wife, Eliza Erwin (1793-1884), lived in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, and had six children: Catherine (1813-1882), Lavinia (b. 1815), Joseph Erwin (1817-1885), Alexander (b. 1818), John (b. 1822) and Caroline E. (b. 1825). Nicholas Wilson's sister Margaret married William Wilson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; their children included William, Jr., Nicholas C., and Jane B.
Caroline E. Wilson lived with the Philadelphia Wilsons from 1839-1842 and again by 1845. In July 1845, Alexander Wilson and a companion, Alfred H. Jones, attempted to kidnap Caroline and another woman, both of whom escaped. In August 1846, Alexander Wilson accosted Caroline, William, Jr., and Jane Wilson at the City Hotel in New York City, and allegedly shot at Caroline and William. Alexander Wilson was stabbed during the altercation. At his trial at the New York Court of Sessions in November 1846, the jury delivered a verdict of not guilty of assault and battery with intent to kill. Alexander Wilson later moved to Brazoria, Texas, where he was convicted of murder and imprisoned in heavy irons for at least two years.
From the guide to the Alexander Wilson collection, Wilson, Alexander collection, 1845-1846, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
