George D. Wise (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Douglas Wise
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1895 |
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| Preceded by | Edmund Waddill, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Tazewell Ellett |
| In office March 4, 1881 – April 10, 1890 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph E. Johnston |
| Succeeded by | Edmund Waddill, Jr. |
| Chairman of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce | |
| In office March 28, 1892 – March 3, 1895 |
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| Preceded by | Roger Quarles Mills |
| Succeeded by | William Peters Hepburn |
| Chairman of the House Committee on Manufactures | |
| In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1889 |
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| Preceded by | John Holroyd Bagley, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Henry Bacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 4, 1831 Deep Creek, Accomack County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | February 4, 1908 (aged 76) Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Indiana University College of William and Mary |
| Profession | lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Douglas Wise (June 4, 1831 – February 4, 1908) was an important American politician from Virginia. He served as a U.S. Representative for his state. He was also related to other well-known members of the Wise family, including his cousins John Sergeant Wise and Richard Alsop Wise, and his uncle Henry Alexander Wise.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Douglas Wise was born on June 4, 1831, at "Deep Creek," which was the Wise family's home in Accomack County, Virginia. This area is close to Onancock, Virginia. His parents were Tully Robinson and Margaret Douglas Pettitt (Wise) Wise.
Young George went to Indiana University in Bloomington, where he completed his studies. After that, he decided to study law. He attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Career as a Lawyer and Public Servant
After finishing his law studies, George Douglas Wise became a lawyer. He started his law practice in Richmond, Virginia.
During the American Civil War, he joined the Confederate States Army. He served as a captain, which is a military rank.
Later, from 1870 to 1889, Wise held an important legal position in Richmond. He was the "Commonwealth's attorney" for the city. This job is similar to being a chief prosecutor, where he represented the state in legal cases. He resigned from this role in 1889.
Serving in Congress
George Douglas Wise was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives several times.
He first served in Congress from March 4, 1881, to March 3, 1889. During this time, he was the chairman of the Committee on Manufactures. This committee worked on issues related to factories and making goods.
In 1888, Wise was re-elected to Congress. However, the results of this election were challenged. Another politician, Edmund Waddill, Jr., argued that he should have won. After a review, Waddill took Wise's seat in Congress on April 10, 1890.
Wise was elected to Congress again and served from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1895. During this second period, he became the chairman of the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. This committee dealt with trade and business between different states and with other countries.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Congress, George Douglas Wise continued to be involved in public service. He was chosen as a delegate to the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1901-1902. This was a special meeting where leaders discussed and updated the laws and rules for the state of Virginia.
George Douglas Wise passed away in Richmond, Virginia, on February 4, 1908. He was buried in Hollywood Cemetery, which is also in Richmond.
Electoral History Highlights
George Douglas Wise was a successful politician who won many elections to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- 1880: He won his first election to the U.S. House of Representatives with 55.94% of the votes.
- 1882: He was re-elected, winning 57.12% of the votes.
- 1884: He won re-election again with 52.4% of the votes.
- 1886: He was re-elected for another term, receiving 52.73% of the votes.
- 1888: He won this election with 50.42% of the votes, but the results were later changed, and Edmund Waddill, Jr. took his seat.
- 1890: He was re-elected without anyone running against him.
- 1892: He won re-election with 63.94% of the votes.
