Preceded by John Scott Name William Wallace Profession Politician, Lawyer | Political party Democratic Succeeded by John I. Mitchell | |
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Born November 28, 1827
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, U.S. ( 1827-11-28 ) Died May 22, 1896(1896-05-22) (aged 68)
New York City, New York, U.S. | ||
William Andrew Wallace (November 28, 1827 – May 22, 1896) was an American lawyer and Democratic party politician from Clearfield, Pennsylvania. He served in the Pennsylvania State Senate and was its speaker in 1871. He represented Pennsylvania in the United States Senate from 1875 to 1881.
Biography
William Wallace was born on November 28, 1827, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, before relocating with his parents to Clearfield, Pennsylvania, in 1836. After studying law and being admitted to the bar, he began work as a lawyer in Clearfield in addition to teaching school. He served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1863 until 1875, and as Speaker of the State Senate in 1871. While in the State Senate, Wallace was member of a commission charged with drafting amendments to the 1874 Pennsylvania Constitution.
In 1875, Wallace was elected as a Democrat by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to the United States Senate. He served one term from March 1875 until March 1881, and was unsuccessful in seeking re-election in 1881. In the U.S. Senate, Wallace served as chairman of the Democratic Conference from 1877 until 1881 and as chairman of the Committee on the Revision of Laws of the United States during the 46th Congress (1879–81).
After his U.S. Senate service, Wallace continued to practice law and returned to the state senate. In later years he became interested in developing local coal resources and headed the Beech Creek Railroad.
Wallace died while in New York City on business in 1896. He was returned to Clearfield and buried in the Hillcrest Cemetery.