Willis Alston

Jacksonian Representative of North Carolina's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1769 (68 years old)

Birthday

May 10, 1837

Death

Served as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina in the 6th to 13th Congresses (1799–1815) and the 19th to 21st Congresses (1825–1831).
Initially elected as a Federalist before affiliating with the Republican Party early in the Jefferson administration, and later served as a Jacksonian Democrat.
Engaged in agricultural pursuits at his slave plantation, Butterwood Plantation.
Elected to the North Carolina House of Commons in 1790 for two years and served a single term in the North Carolina Senate in 1794.
Chaired the House Committee on Revisal and Unfinished Business during the 13th U.S. Congress and the Committee on Elections during the 21st Congress.
Had a notable rivalry with John Randolph of Roanoke, which resulted in physical altercations.
Declined to seek re-election in 1830 and returned to agriculture.
Died on April 10, 1837, and is buried at his plantation home of Butterwood.
His granddaughter established the Alston-Pleasants scholarship fund in his memory.
In his will, he divided ownership of his approximately 90 slaves among his family members.