William MARKS, Congress, PA (1778-1858)

MARKS, William, a Senator from Pennsylvania; born near “Fogg’s Manor,” Chester County, Pa., October 13, 1778; moved with his father to Allegheny County in early childhood; received a limited schooling; learned the trade of tanner; studied law; admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Pittsburgh, Pa.; held several local offices; coroner of Allegheny County; member, State house of representatives 1810-1819, and served as speaker during the last six years; commanded the Pennsylvania State Militia in 1814; member, State senate 1820-1825; elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1825, to March 3, 1831; unsuccessful candidate for reelection; chairman, Committee on Engrossed Bills (Nineteenth through Twenty-first Congresses), Committee on Agriculture (Twenty-first Congress); resumed the practice of law in Pittsburgh; moved to Beaver, Pa., in 1850 and retired to private life; died in Beaver, Beaver County, Pa., April 10, 1858; interment in the McCreery lot in the old cemetery on Buffalo Street.

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