William G. Laidlaw

William G. Laidlaw

William Grant Laidlaw (born January 1, 1840 in Roxburghshire , Scotland , †  August 19, 1908 in Ellicottville , New York ) was an American politician . Between 1887 and 1891 he represented New York State in the US House of Representatives .

Career

In 1852, William Laidlaw came with his parents from his Scottish homeland to Franklinville , New York. He attended public schools in his new home and the Ten Broek Free Academy . He served in the US Navy for two years during the Civil War . After studying law and being admitted to the bar in 1866, he began to work in this profession. Between 1867 and 1870 he was the head of the first district in Cattaraugus County . In 1870 he moved to Ellicottville. From 1871 to 1877 he worked as an assessor for the tax authorities of the 31st tax district of his state. Between 1877 and 1883 he served as the district attorney in Cattaraugus County.

Politically, Laidlaw became a member of the Republican Party . In the congressional election of 1886 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Washington, DC in the 34th  constituency of New York , where he succeeded Walter L. Sessions on March 4, 1887 . After re-election, he was able to complete two legislative terms in Congress until March 3, 1891 . From 1889 he was chairman of the Committee on Claims .

After the end of his time in the US House of Representatives, William Laidlaw practiced as a lawyer again. He died on August 19, 1908 in Ellicottville, where he was also buried.

Web links

• William G. Laidlaw in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)

predecessor	Office	successor
Walter L. Sessions	United States House of Representatives for New York (34th constituency) March 4, 1887 - March 3, 1891	Warren B. Hooker