William W. Wilshire facts for kids
William W. Wilshire (born William Wallace Wilshire; September 8, 1830 – August 19, 1888) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Arkansas from 1873 to 1874 and again from 1875 to 1877. He also held a top judge position in Arkansas.
Quick facts for kids
William W. Wilshire
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arkansas's 3rd district |
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| In office March 3, 1873 – June 16, 1874 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Boles |
| Succeeded by | Thomas M. Gunter |
| In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas M. Gunter |
| Succeeded by | Jordan E. Cravens |
| Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court |
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| In office 1868 – February 1871 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Wallace Wilshire
September 8, 1830 Shawneetown, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 1888 (aged 57) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. 34°44′15.3″N 92°16′42.5″W / 34.737583°N 92.278472°W |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Republican (before 1874) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | .svg){kind=small} Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1864 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit | 126th Illinois Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
Contents
Early Life and Career
William W. Wilshire was born in Shawneetown, Illinois, on September 8, 1830. He went to school in the countryside. From 1852 to 1855, he worked as a gold miner in California.
After his time in California, he returned to Port Byron. There, he got involved in coal mining and a business that bought and sold goods. He also studied law and became a lawyer in 1859.
Military Service
In 1862, Wilshire joined the Union Army as a major. He was part of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His regiment served during the Civil War.
After the Siege of Vicksburg, his group went to Arkansas. They were part of the Little Rock Campaign under Major General Frederick Steele. Wilshire left the army in July 1864 because of health reasons.
Political Career
After the Civil War, Wilshire moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. He started working as a lawyer there. In 1867, he was chosen to be the state's main lawyer, called the solicitor general.
Arkansas State Roles
From 1868 to 1871, Wilshire served as the Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. This meant he was the top judge in Arkansas's highest court. After this, he went back to working as a lawyer.
U.S. Congress
In 1873, Wilshire was elected as a Republican to the Forty-third Congress. He served from March 4, 1873, to June 16, 1874. His election was challenged by Thomas M. Gunter, who later took his place.
Wilshire was then elected as a Democrat to the Forty-fourth Congress. He served from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1877. He did not run for re-election in 1876.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in Congress, William W. Wilshire continued to work as a lawyer in Washington, D.C.. He passed away there on August 19, 1888.
He was buried at Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
