William Lee Davidson EWING, Congress, IL (1795-1846)

EWING, William Lee Davidson, a Senator from Illinois; born in Paris, Ky., August 31, 1795; pursued academic studies; studied law; admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Shawneetown, Ill.; appointed by President James Monroe receiver of the land office at Vandalia, Ill., in 1820; brigadier general of State militia; colonel of the “Spy Battalion” during the Black Hawk War; clerk of the State house of representatives 1826-1828; member, State house of representatives 1830, and served as speaker; member, State senate 1832-1834, and was chosen president pro tempore in 1832; acting lieutenant governor 1833; Governor of Illinois in 1834 for only fifteen days; appointed to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Elias K. Kane and served from December 30, 1835, to March 3, 1837; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1837; member, State house of representatives in 1838 and 1840 and at both sessions was chosen speaker; clerk of the State house of representatives in 1842; appointed auditor of public accounts 1843; died in Springfield, Ill., March 25, 1846; final interment probably in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Ill.

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