Wilson REILLY, Congress, PA (1811-1885)

REILLY Wilson , a Representative from Pennsylvania; was born in Waynesboro, Franklin County, Pa., August 8, 1811; attended the common schools; engaged as a hatter in Waynesboro and Chambersburg, Pa.; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1837 and commenced practice in Chambersburg, Pa.; prosecuting attorney of Franklin County 1842-1845; unsuccessful Democratic candidate for election in 1854 to the Thirty-fourth Congress; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-fifth Congress (March 4, 1857-March 3, 1859); chairman, Committee on Expenditures in the Department of War (Thirty-fifth Congress); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1858 to the Thirty-sixth Congress; became captain of the McClure Rifles, which joined the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa.; resumed the practice of law; died in Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pa., August 26, 1885; interment in Falling Spring Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present