Charles Billinghurst

Charles Billinghurst (July 27, 1818 – August 18, 1865) was an American lawyer, politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district for the 34th and 35th congresses (1855–1859). He served in Congress as a member of the Republican Party; he had previously served in the 1st Wisconsin Legislature as a member of the Democratic Party, but split with the party over the slavery controversies of the 1850s.

Early life and education Billinghurst was born in Brighton, New York on July 27, 1818 to William Billinghurst. He attended common schools and studied law.

Career Billinghurst was admitted to the bar in 1847; he commenced practiced in Rochester, New York. That same year, Billinghurst moved to Juneau, Wisconsin, where he continued practicing law.

Billinghurst was elected to the 1st Wisconsin State Assembly in 1848.

Billinghurst edited and published the Juneau Burr Oak from 1853 to 1854.

Billinghurst was elected a presidential elector on the Democratic ticket in 1852.

Billinghurst was elected to the United States House of Representatives to represent the 3rd congressional district of Wisconsin, defeating incumbent Democrat John B. Macy in the general collection.

Billinghurst's time in office began on March 4, 1855 and concluded on March 3, 1859. He served in the 34th United States Congress and the 35th United States Congress as a member of the Republican Party.

Billinghurst was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1858 to the 36th United States Congress, being defeated by Democrat Charles H. Larrabee in the general election. Following his tenure in Congress, Billinghurst resumed practicing law in Juneau, Wisconsin until his death there in 1865.

Personal life and death In 1853, Billinghurst married Hannah Barber, with whom he had two children.