William Lyne Wilson was born in Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) on May 3, 1843.
He attended Charles Town Academy, graduated from Columbian College, today part of George Washington University, from which he graduated in 1860.
He subsequently studied at the University of Virginia.

During the Civil War, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served as a private in the 12th Virginia Cavalry.

After the war, Wilson for several years, he taught school at Columbian College during which he graduated from law school.
He was admitted to the bar in 1869 and opened a private practice in Charles Town.

He was chosen as president of West Virginia University, taking office on September 4, 1882.

He married the daughter of Rev. A.J. Huntington, D.D., professor of Greek in Columbian University.
William Lyne Wilson was born in Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) on May 3, 1843. He attended Charles Town Academy, graduated from Columbian College, today part of George Washington University, from which he graduated in 1860. He subsequently studied at the University of Virginia.
During the Civil War, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served as a private in the 12th Virginia Cavalry.
After the war, Wilson for several years, he taught school at Columbian College during which he graduated from law school. He was admitted to the bar in 1869 and opened a private practice in Charles Town.
He was chosen as president of West Virginia University, taking office on September 4, 1882.
He married the daughter of Rev. A.J. Huntington, D.D., professor of Greek in Columbian University.
William Lyne Wilson