Pete Wilson

Wilson in 1993, by Robert D. Ward, OSD Package No. A07D-00125, PD-USGov-Military

Birth Name: Peter Barton Wilson

Place of Birth: Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 23, 1933

Ethnicity: Irish, some Northern Irish and English

Pete Wilson is an American attorney and politician. A Republican, he was Mayor of San Diego, from December 6, 1971 to January 3, 1983, a U.S. Senator from California, from January 3, 1983 to January 7, 1991, and Governor of California, from January 7, 1991 to January 4, 1999.

He was a candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination for President of the United States in 1996.

Pete is the son of Mary Margaret Josephine “Peg” (Callaghan) and James Boone Wilson. His mother was born in Illinois, to Irish parents. He is married to business professional and community activist Gayle Edlund Wilson, with whom he has two children.

Pete’s paternal grandfather was James Chalmers Wilson (the son of Thomas Alexander Wilson and Rachel Letitia Boone). James was born in Canada. Thomas was born in Down, Northern Ireland, the son of Thomas B. Wilson and Jane Law. Rachel was the daughter of William Boone/Boon and Jane/Jennie Chambers.

Pete’s paternal grandmother was Pauline Louise Palmer (the daughter of George Rutledge Palmer and Adaline “Addie” Haney). Pauline was born in Illinois. George was the son of James Quarles Palmer and Mary Ann Rutledge. Adaline was the daughter of Richard S. Haney and Adaline Murphy.

Pete’s maternal grandfather was Michael Dennis Callaghan (the son of Daniel O’Callaghan and Elizabeth “Betty” Ahern). Michael was born in Kerry, Ireland. Daniel was the son of John Callaghan and Hannah Mara. Elizabeth was the daughter of Michael Ahern.

Pete’s maternal grandmother was Katherine/Katharina Margaret “Kate” Barton (the daughter of Thomas Barton and Margaret “Peg” O’Brien). Katherine was born in Kerry, Ireland.

Sources: Genealogy of Pete Wilson (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Pete’s parents on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org