John O. Pendleton

Who was John O. Pendleton?

John Overton Pendleton was a U.S. Representative from West Virginia.

Born in Wellsburg, West Virginia, Pendleton moved with his parents to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1851. He attended Aspen Hill Academy, Louisa County, Virginia from 1865 to 1869, and Bethany College, West Virginia from 1869 to 1871. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Wheeling, in 1874. He was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for State senator in 1886. He presented credentials as a Democratic Member-elect to the 51st United States Congress Congress and served from March 4, 1889, to February 26, 1890, when he was succeeded by George W. Atkinson, who successfully contested the election.

Pendleton was elected as a Democrat to the 52nd and 53rd Congresses. He served as chairman of the Committee on Private Land Claims. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1894. He resumed the practice of law in Wheeling, W.Virginia, and died there December 24, 1916. He was interred in Greenwood Cemetery.