James Wilson was one of two Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom for the constituency of York from 1826 to 1830.
His account to Parliament of his prior life included claims to Army service in the West Indies and inheriting an estate on St.Vincent.
According to Parliamentary records, he was quite vocal in the chamber and lobbied well for his constituency and of his resident town of Whitby.
He died in September 1830, leaving his estate to his daughter, Mary.
However, he died with many debts and his St Vincent estates were used as a partial repayment.