Ariosto A. Wiley

Ariosto Appling Wiley (November 6, 1848 – June 17, 1908) was an American lawyer, Spanish-American War veteran, and politician who served four terms as a U.S. representative from Alabama from 1901 until his death in office in 1908.

He was the brother of Oliver Cicero Wiley, who was his successor in Congress.

Early life Born to Jacob McCaleb and Cornelia Appling Wiley in Clayton, Alabama, Ariosto A. Wiley moved with his parents to Troy, Alabama. He had four siblings and attended the common schools and was graduated from Emory and Henry College, Emory, Virginia, in 1870. He stayed there and studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1871 and commenced practice in Clayton, Alabama. He moved to Montgomery, Alabama, the same year and continued the practice of law, partnering with former Alabama Supreme Court justice Samuel F. Rice and local judge Thomas Goode Jones.

Wiley served on the House committees with oversight over militia and pensions. His work included legislation aimed at improving military organization, assisting Alabama homesteaders, and infrastructure improvements along the Alabama River. He also supported rural mail service in Alabama and worked to bring to his home state some relics of the Spanish-American War.

His brother Oliver was elected to fill the remainder of his seat.