Andrew Charles Schiffler

Andrew Charles Schiffler (August 10, 1889 – March 27, 1970) was a two-term Republican United States Representative and attorney from West Virginia. He was born in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, where he attended the public schools. After completing his basic education, he pursued the study of law in Wheeling law offices rather than through a formal law school, following the then-common practice of reading law under the supervision of established attorneys.

In 1913, Schiffler was admitted to the bar and entered the practice of law in Wheeling. He quickly established himself in the local legal community and began to assume public responsibilities. From 1918 to 1922, he served as a bankruptcy referee for the northern district of West Virginia, a federal appointment that involved oversight and adjudication of bankruptcy matters in that region. Building on this experience, he was elected prosecuting attorney for Ohio County, serving from 1925 until 1932. In that role, he was responsible for criminal prosecutions and legal representation of the county, further enhancing his public profile. He also became active in party affairs and served as chairman of the Ohio County Republican Committee from 1936 to 1938.

Schiffler’s prominence in local legal and political circles led to his election to the United States House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected to the U.S. House in 1938 and served in the Seventy-sixth Congress from January 3, 1939, to January 3, 1941, representing a West Virginia district during a significant period in American history marked by the end of the Great Depression and the approach of World War II. As a member of the House of Representatives, Andrew Charles Schiffler participated in the democratic process, contributed to the legislative work of Congress, and represented the interests of his West Virginia constituents.

His candidacy for re-election in 1940 was unsuccessful, and he left Congress at the conclusion of his first term. Schiffler returned to private legal practice in Wheeling but remained active in Republican politics. In 1942, he again sought federal office and was returned to the House after winning election to the Seventy-eighth Congress. He served this second term from January 3, 1943, to January 3, 1945, a period that coincided with the height of World War II. During his two nonconsecutive terms in Congress, from 1939 to 1941 and from 1943 to 1945, Schiffler contributed to the legislative process and participated in debates and decisions affecting both domestic policy and the nation’s wartime posture.

After his unsuccessful re-election attempt in 1944, Schiffler once more resumed his law practice in Wheeling. He continued to work as an attorney for the remainder of his life, maintaining an active role in the legal affairs of his community. Andrew Charles Schiffler died in Wheeling on March 27, 1970. He was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Wheeling, closing a long career of public service and professional engagement in the law.