Background
Fifer, Joseph Wilson was born on October 28, 1840 in Staunton, Virginia, United States. Son of John and Mary Fifer.
Fifer, Joseph Wilson was born on October 28, 1840 in Staunton, Virginia, United States. Son of John and Mary Fifer.
Educated district schools, McLean Company, Illinois. Private 33d Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 1861-1864. Participated in Vicksburg campaign, 1863.
Wounded in battle, Jackson, Mississippi, July 13, 1863.
Bachelor of Science, Illinois Wesleyan University, 1868 (Doctor of Laws, 1892).
Admitted to bar, 1869, and began practice at Bloomington. Corporation counsel, Bloomington, 1871. State's attorney, McLean Company, 1872-1879.
Member Illinois Senate, 1880-1884.
Governor of Illinois, 1889-1893. Candidate for reëlection, 1892.
Candidate for vice-presidential nomination before Republican National Convention, 1896. Member Interstate Commerce Commission, 1899-1906.
Member Illinois Senate, 1880-1884. Member Interstate Commerce Commission
Married Gertrude Lewis, June 15, 1870. Children: Herman West., Mistress Florence Bohrer.