William Henry NEECE, Congress, IL (1831-1909)

NEECE, William Henry, a Representative from Illinois; born near Springfield, Sangamon County (later part of Logan County), Ill., February 26, 1831; moved with his parents to McDonough County; attended the common schools; taught school; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1858 and commenced practice in Macomb, Ill.; member of the city council in 1861; member of the State house of representatives in 1864 and 1870; member of the State constitutional convention of 1869 and 1870; served in the State senate 1878-1882; elected as a Democrat to the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Congresses (March 4, 1883-March 3, 1887); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1886 to the Fiftieth Congress; resumed the practice of his profession and also interested in stock raising; died in Chicago, Ill., January 3, 1909; interment in Oakwood Cemetery, Macomb, Ill.

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