William Van Ness BAY, Congress, MO (1818-1894)

BAY William Van Ness , a Representative from Missouri; born in Hudson, N.Y., November 23, 1818; attended the public schools; studied law; was admitted to the bar; moved to Union, Franklin County, Mo., in 1836 and commenced the practice of law; member of the State house of representatives 1844-1848; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-first Congress (March 4, 1849-March 3, 1851); resumed the practice of law; appointed judge of the State supreme court in 1862; elected to this position in 1863 and served until removed by Governor Fletcher in 1865; moved to St. Louis, Mo., and again resumed the practice of law; retired in 1886 and moved to Eureka, Mo., where he died February 10, 1894; interment in Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Mo.

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