William Willis Garth

William Willis Garth (October 28, 1828 – February 25, 1912) was an American politician and lawyer. A Democrat, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Alabama.

Early life and education Garth was born on October 28, 1828, in Morgan County, Alabama, the third of five children born to politician Jesse Winston Garth and Unity Spottswood Dandridge Garth. Through his father, he was a cousin of politician Founding Father Patrick Henry. Through his mother, he was the great-great-grandson of Governor Alexander Spotswood, and a relative to First Ladies Martha Washington and Dolley Madison.

Garth's mother died while he was a child. He spent his childhood in Virginia, where he received his education. graduating in 1843. He later studied at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Garth was a Democrat. He served in the United States House of Representatives from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1879, representing Alabama's 8th district. During his tenure, he voted in favor of the Posse Comitatus Act. He lost the following election to Greenback candidate William M. Lowe, who managed to gain Republican support. The 1860 United States census estimated his net worth at $52,000. He was buried at Maple Hill Cemetery.