B. N. Wilson

Birton Neill Wilson (November 16, 1874 – January 27, 1948) was an American professor, engineer, and college football coach. He served as a professor of mechanical engineering and the head football coach at Arkansas Industrial University (now known as the University of Arkansas).

B. N. Wilson
Wilson pictured in a 1908 University of Arkansas publication
Biographical details
Born(1874-11-16)November 16, 1874
Philadelphia, New York, U.S.
DiedJanuary 27, 1948(1948-01-27) (aged 73)
Fayetteville, Arkansas, U.S.
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1897–1898Arkansas Industrial
Head coaching record
Overall4–1–1

Biography

Wilson was born in Philadelphia in 1874.[1] Residing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Wilson attended the Georgia School of Technology where he earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering in 1896.[2] Wilson was elected president of his senior class and "always maintained a high standing in college."[3] He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Alpha Tau chapter of Kappa Sigma.[4][5] After graduation, Wilson began teaching at the University of Arkansas as an instructor in mechanical engineering until 1899.[4]

From 1897 to 1898, Wilson coached the Arkansas football team and over the course of two seasons amassed a record of 4–1–1. Later in his life, Wilson enjoyed recalling a quote from a partisan newspaper after his team played Fort Smith: "Thugs, pug-uglies, and roughnecks. Such are B. N. Wilson and the University of Arkansas football team."[6]

From 1899 until 1902, he was an adjunct professor of mechanical engineering and assistant superintendent of mechanical arts.[7] In 1902, the University of Arkansas promoted him to the post of professor of mechanical engineering.[4] In 1903, he studied at the University of Michigan,[4] and eventually received a master of engineering degree from Michigan in 1909.[2] By 1908, he was the superintendent of mechanical arts.[8] He received an M.M.E. degree from Cornell University.[9] He taught at the University of Arkansas until 1923.[10]

Wilson died suddenly at his Fayetteville home on January 27, 1948.[11]

Head coaching record
Year Team Overall ConferenceStanding Bowl/playoffs
Arkansas Industrial Cardinals (Independent) (1897–1898)
1897 Arkansas Industrial 2–0–1
1898 Arkansas Industrial 2–1
Arkansas Industrial: 4–1–1
Total:4–1–1

References
  1. "Engineers To Survey Industry", Harrison Times, Saturday, April 29, 1916, Harrison, Arkansas, United States Of America
  2. General Catalogue of Officers and Students, 1837-1911. University of Michigan. 1912. p. 290. ISBN 9780472751983.
  3. Caduceus of Kappa Sigma, Volume 11, p. 377, Kappa Sigma, 1896.
  4. Catalogue of the University of Arkansas, Thirty-Second Edition, p. 33, University of Arkansas, 1905.
  5. Caduceus of Kappa Sigma, Volume 20, p. 78, Kappa Sigma, 1905.
  6. Orville Henry, Jim Bailey, The Razorbacks: A Story of Arkansas Football, p. 8, University of Arkansas Press, 1996, ISBN 1-55728-430-X.
  7. Biennial Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Arkansas, p. 112, Arkansas Department of Education, 1902.
  8. Catalogue of the University of Arkansas, p. 21, University of Arkansas, 1908.
  9. Michael S. Martin, Michael Phoenix, Chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas: A Centennial History, 1902-2002, p. 5, University of Arkansas Press, 2002, ISBN 0-9713470-0-X.
  10. William Jordan Patty, Mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas, 1874-2004, p. 26, University of Arkansas Press, 2004, ISBN 0-9713470-7-7.
  11. "Death Claims B. N. Wilson At His Home". The Northwest Arkansas Times. Fayetteville, Arkansas. January 28, 1948. p. 1. Retrieved September 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com open access.
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