”The House of Representatives of the Fifty Third Congress” (detail), The Graphic Chicago, 1893, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives

ALDERSON, John Duffy, a Representative from West Virginia; born at Nicholas Court House (now Summersville), W.Va., November 29, 1854; attended the common schools; sergeant at arms of the State senate 1871-1873; doorkeeper in 1872 and 1873; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1876 and commenced practice at Nicholas Court House; appointed prosecuting attorney for the counties of Nicholas and Webster in 1876; elected prosecuting attorney for these counties, reelected in 1880 and 1884, and served until January 1, 1889; clerk of the State senate 1883-1887; elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third Congresses (March 4, 1889-March 3, 1895); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1894 to the Fifty-fourth Congress; resumed the practice of law in Nicholas, W.Va.; delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1900 and 1908; died in Richwood, Nicholas County, W.Va., December 5, 1910; interment in a private burial ground at Summersville, W.Va.