Morrison, William R. (William Ralls), 1825-1909

Served in the Illinois legislature, 1854-1860 and 1870-1871, as a Colonel in the Civil War, in the U.S. Congress,1863-1865 and 1873-1887, as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1856, 1868, 1884 and 1888 and appointed to the Interstate Commerce Commission by both President Cleveland and President Harrison, serving from 1887-1897. Helped form the 49th Illinois Infantry. Was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee Committee. Authored the horizontal reduction tariff bill. Considered by many Democrats as a possible presidential candidate. Opposed free coinage of silver. After leaving politics in 1897 returned to Waterloo, Ill. to practice law.

From the description of Papers, 1855-1909. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 49574802