Peter J. SOMERS, Congress, WI (1850-1924)

SOMERS, Peter J., a Representative from Wisconsin; born at Menominee Falls, Waukesha County, Wis., April 12, 1850; attended the common schools, the Whitewater Normal School, and the Waukesha Academy; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1874 and commenced practice in Milwaukee, Wis.; attorney of the city of Milwaukee 1882-1884; elected to the common council in 1890, and upon its organization became its president; mayor of Milwaukee 1890-1893; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-third Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John L. Mitchell and served from August 27, 1893, to March 3, 1895; was not a candidate for renomination in 1894; resumed the practice of law in Milwaukee; moved to Reno, Nev., in 1905 and continued the practice of law; chairman of the State Democratic central committee from 1907 to 1909; appointed district judge of Esmeralda County in 1908, and elected in 1910 for the term ending January 1, 1914; again engaged in the practice of law; died in Los Angeles, Calif., February 15, 1924; interment in Calvary Cemetery.

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