Born in
Mendon, Massachusetts, Wilder completed preparatory studies and engaged in mercantile pursuits. He moved to
Rochester, New York, before moving again to
Leavenworth, Kansas in 1857.
Political activities He served as delegate to the Osawatomie convention in 1859. He also served as delegate to the
Republican National Convention in
1860, where he led the delegates for the
Kansas Territory.
Civil War He served as a captain in the Kansas brigade for one year in the
Civil War.
Congress Wilder was elected as a
Republican to the
Thirty-Eighth Congress (March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865).
Later career and retirement He again served as delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1864, 1868, and 1872. He returned to
Rochester, New York, in 1865 and published the Morning and Evening Express until 1868, when he retired from active business pursuits. Wilder was elected mayor of Rochester in 1872, but resigned in 1873.
Death and burial He died in
San Francisco, California, December 22, 1875, while there for his health. He was interred in
Mount Hope Cemetery,
Rochester, New York. ==References==