William Alexander Richardson

William Alexander Richardson
United States Senator from Illinois
In office January 12, 1863 – March 3, 1865
Preceded by	Orville H. Browning
Succeeded by	Richard Yates
5th Governor of Nebraska Territory
In office January 12, 1858 – December 5, 1858
President	James Buchanan
Preceded by	Thomas B. Cuming
Succeeded by	Julius Sterling Morton
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 5th district
In office March 4, 1861 – January 12, 1863
Preceded by	Isaac N. Morris
Succeeded by	Owen Lovejoy
In office December 6, 1847 – August 25, 1856
Preceded by	Stephen A. Douglas
Succeeded by	Jacob C. Davis
12th Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office December 5, 1842 – December 2, 1844
Preceded by	Samuel Hackleton
Succeeded by	Newton Cloud
Member of the Illinois Senate
In office 1838-1842
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
In office 1836–1838 1844–1846
Personal details
Born	(1811-01-16)January 16, 1811 Lexington, Kentucky, US
Died	December 27, 1875(1875-12-27) (aged 64) Quincy, Illinois, US
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Centre College Transylvania University
Profession	Politician, Lawyer
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Rank	Major
Battles/wars	Mexican–American War

William Alexander Richardson (January 16, 1811 – December 27, 1875) was a prominent Illinois Democratic politician before and during the American Civil War. A protege of Stephen Douglas Richardson was an ardent proponent of Jacksonian Democracy, Popular sovereignty, and Strict constructionism. During the American Civil War he initially supported the conflict, but soon became a member of the Copperhead wing of the Democratic party and a bitter critic of President Abraham Lincoln.