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William Allan Oldfield (February 4, 1874 – November 19, 1928) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Arkansas from 1909 until his death.
William A. Oldfield | |
|---|---|
 Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arkansas's 2nd district | |
| In office March 4, 1909 – November 19, 1928 | |
| Preceded by | Stephen Brundidge, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Pearl P. Oldfield |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 4, 1874 Franklin, Arkansas, United States |
| Died | November 19, 1928 (aged 54) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Oak Lawn Cemetery, Batesville, Arkansas |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Alma mater | Arkansas College Cumberland School of Law |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1898–1899 |
| Rank | first lieutenant |
| Unit | 2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War |
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Born in Franklin, Arkansas, Oldfield was the son of blacksmith Milton Oldfield and his wife, Mary Ann (Matheny) Oldfield.[1] He attended the public schools of Franklin and graduated from Melbourne High School in 1892.[2] He began attendance at Arkansas College in Batesville.[1] He graduated in 1896 and became a school teacher and principal in Richmond, Arkansas, while also studying law.[1]
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In 1898, Oldfield enlisted for the Spanish–American War as a private in Company M, 2nd Arkansas Infantry Regiment.[1] He was promoted to first sergeant before receiving a commission as a first lieutenant, and he was mustered out in March 1899.[1]
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After returning home, Oldfield graduated from Cumberland University's law school in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1900, attained admission to the bar, and commenced practice in Batesville.[1] A Democrat, he was prosecuting attorney of Independence County from 1902 to 1906.[1] In 1906, Oldfield was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. House.[1]
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In 1908, Oldfield won election to the 61st Congress.[1] He was reelected ten times and served from March 4, 1909, until his death.[1] Oldfield was chairman of the Committee on Patents in the 62nd and 63rd Congresses, and Minority Whip from the 67th through 70th Congress.[1] In addition, he served on the Ways and Means Committee and served as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.[1]
Oldfield won reelection to the 71st Congress in 1928, but died before the term started in March 1929.[1] He was succeeded in Congress by his wife Pearl P. Oldfield.[1]
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Oldfield died in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 1928.[1] He was buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Batesville.[1][3]
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In 1901, Oldfield married Fannie Pearl Peden.[1] They were married until his death, and had no children.[1]
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