William McAleer

Who was William McAleer?

William McAleer was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

William McAleer was born in County Tyrone, Ireland. He immigrated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Philadelphia in 1851. He attended public and private schools. In 1861 he became a partner with his father and brothers in the firm of John McAleer & Sons, flour merchants. He was a member of the common council 1871-1873. As president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick he organized for the relief of immigrants.

He was a member of the Board of Guardians of the Poor 1873-1898, and served as vice president and later as president of the board. He was also member of the commercial exchange and served successively as director, vice president, and president of the same. In 1880 he was director of the chamber of commerce. He became a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate 1886-1890.

He was elected in 1891 as a Democrat to the 52nd Congress and reelected as an Independent Democrat to the 53rd Congress. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1894, but was re-elected as a Democrat to the 55th and 56th Congresses. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1900. He resumed business activities in Philadelphia and died in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aged 74.