Emanuel Willis Wilson was born in 1844 and held significant political office, serving as the seventh governor of West Virginia from 1885 to 1890. During his tenure, he faced a notable legal challenge regarding his governorship, which was ultimately resolved in his favor by the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. After leaving office, Wilson pursued further political ambitions but was unsuccessful in his bid for Congress. His influence extended beyond formal politics, as evidenced by Devil Anse Hatfield naming his son after Wilson. Wilson's life concluded with his marriage to Henrietta Cotton in 1905.

Emanuel Willis Wilson's political career reveals a penchant for navigating complex, localized issues with a blend of ideological flexibility and firm resolve. His tenure as governor was marked by a contentious legal battle over his legitimacy, yet he managed to retain his position through Supreme Court intervention. Despite lacking a detailed policy record, his ability to maintain support and navigate political disputes hints at a strategic, perhaps disruption-oriented approach to governance.