Edward Watts SAUNDERS, Congress, VA (1860-1921)

SAUNDERS, Edward Watts, a Representative from Virginia; born near Rocky Mount, Franklin County, Va., October 20, 1860; received his early education under private teachers; attended Bellevue High School, Bedford County, Va., and was graduated from the University of Virginia at Charlottesville in 1882; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Rocky Mount, Va., in 1883; member of the State house of delegates 1887-1901 and served as speaker in 1899; elected judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Virginia in 1901 and judge of the seventh circuit in 1904; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-ninth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Claude A. Swanson; reelected to the Sixtieth and to the six succeeding Congresses and served from November 6, 1906, to February 29, 1920, when he resigned, having been elected judge of the State supreme court of appeals, which position he held until his death in Rocky Mount, Franklin County, Va., on December 16, 1921; interment in High Street Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present