Riley Joseph Wilson

Riley Joseph Wilson (November 12, 1871 – February 23, 1946) was a Louisiana educator, attorney and legislator in 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.

Biography Wilson was born near Goldonna in Winn Parish, Louisiana, on November 12, 1871. He graduated from Iuka Normal Institute in 1894.

Early career Wilson became the principal of Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Louisiana, serving from 1895 to 1897. Mr. Wilson later studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1898 and began practicing in Harrisonburg.

Political career 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 He died on February 23, 1946 in Ruston, Louisiana, at the age of 74.

He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery.