Riley J. Wilson

Riley Joseph Wilson (November 12, 1871 – February 23, 1946) was a Louisiana educator, attorney and legislator in the first half of the late 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. A Democrat, Wilson served in the United States House of Representatives from 1915 until 1937.

Riley Joseph Wilson
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 5th district
In office March 4, 1915 – January 3, 1937
Preceded by	James Walter Elder
Succeeded by	Newt V. Mills
State Representative from Catahoula Parish
In office 1900–1904
Preceded by	Henry Breithaupt
Succeeded by	E. B. Cottingham
Personal details
Born	(1871-11-12)November 12, 1871 Goldonna, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	February 23, 1946(1946-02-23) (aged 74) Ruston, Louisiana, U.S.
Resting place	Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston, Louisiana
Political party	Democratic
Residence(s)	(1) Harrisonburg Catahoula Parish, Louisiana (2) Ruston, Louisiana
Alma mater	Iuka Normal Institute in Tishomingo County, Mississippi
Occupation	Educator;Attorney

Biography

Wilson was born near Goldonna in Winn Parish, La. on November 12, 1871. He graduated from Iuka Normal Institute in 1894 and became the principal of Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Louisiana, serving from 1895-1897. Mr. Wilson later studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1898 and began practicing in Harrisonburg, La.

Career

Riley J. Wilson served as a district attorney, judge, member of the State house of Representatives, and a US Congressman. He represented Louisiana in the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 11 terms from 1915 to 1937. He was defeated for renomination in 1936 by Newt V. Mills.

Death and burial

He died on February 23, 1946 in Ruston, La. at the age of 74.

He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

References

• United States Congress. "Riley J. Wilson (id: W000608)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.. Retrieved on November 21, 2006

External links

• Media related to Riley Joseph Wilson at Wikimedia Commons