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 byJames Walter Elder
Succeeded byNewt V. Mills
State Representative from Catahoula Parish
In office
1900–1904
Preceded byHenry Breithaupt
Succeeded byE. B. Cottingham
Personal details
Born(1871-11-12)November 12, 1871
Goldonna, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedFebruary 23, 1946(1946-02-23) (aged 74)
Ruston, Louisiana, U.S.
Resting placeGreenwood Cemetery in Ruston, Louisiana
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)(1) Harrisonburg
Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
(2) Ruston, Louisiana
Alma materIuka Normal Institute in
Tishomingo County, Mississippi
OccupationEducator;Attorney

Biography

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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

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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

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

He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

References

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  • United States Congress. "Riley J. Wilson (id: W000608)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.. Retrieved on November 21, 2006
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U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by U.S. Representative from 5th District of Louisiana
1915–1937
Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by
Henry Breithaupt
State Representative from Catahoula Parish
1900–1904
Succeeded by
E. B. Cottingham