William Lyne Wilson (May 3, 1843 – October 17, 1900) was an American politician and lawyer from West Virginia. A Bourbon Democrat, he was elected to the United States Congress in 1882 and served six terms of office, ending in 1895.
Following his departure from the House of Representatives, he was appointed Postmaster General of the United States by President Grover Cleveland, and remained in that cabinet-level position until 1897. After leaving government service, he was named President of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
Biography
Early years and marriage
William Lyne Wilson was born in Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) on May 3, 1843. He attended Charles Town Academy, graduated from Columbian College, today part of George Washington University, from which he graduated in 1860. He subsequently studied at the University of Virginia.
thumb|left|Mrs William Lyne Wilson
He married the daughter of Rev. A.J. Huntington, D.D., professor of Greek in Columbian University.
Political career
Wilson was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1880.