Austin Eli Wing

Austin Eli Wing (February 3, 1792 – August 27, 1849) was a Michigan politician who served as delegate to the U.S. Congress from Michigan Territory before it became the state of Michigan and later as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He held multiple terms in Congress, serving from 1825 to 1829 and from 1831 to 1833, and subsequently served in the Michigan state legislature and in several important appointed positions, including United States Marshal for the district of Michigan.

Wing was born in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts, on February 3, 1792. In his early youth he moved with his parents to Marietta, in the Northwest Territory, later the state of Ohio. He was educated in the common schools and later attended an academy in Chillicothe, Ohio. Pursuing higher education, he studied at Ohio University and then at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1814. His early academic training prepared him for a public career on the expanding American frontier.

After completing his education, Wing moved west to Detroit, in what was then Michigan Territory. Establishing himself in territorial affairs, he became active in politics during a formative period for the region. As a member of the Unknown Party representing Michigan in the historical record provided, and identified contemporaneously as a National Republican, he contributed to the legislative process during three terms in office, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents at a time when Michigan was transitioning from territorial status toward statehood.

Wing was elected as a National Republican to the Nineteenth and Twentieth Congresses from Michigan Territory, serving from March 4, 1825, to March 3, 1829. After initially residing in Detroit, he later moved to Monroe, Michigan. From Monroe he was elected to the Twenty-second Congress, again representing Michigan Territory, and served from March 4, 1831, to March 3, 1833. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, marked by the rise of new political parties and debates over internal improvements, economic policy, and the development of the western territories. As a delegate and then as a representative, he played a role in advancing the interests of Michigan’s settlers in the national legislature.

Following his congressional service, Wing remained active in Michigan public life. After serving in the state house, he joined the Whig Party upon its formation and was elected a member of the Michigan House of Representatives in 1842. In this capacity he participated in shaping the laws and institutions of the young state. His state legislative work complemented his earlier territorial and federal experience, giving him a sustained role in Michigan’s political development.

Wing also held several significant appointed positions in Michigan. He served as a member of the board of regents of the University of Michigan from 1845 until 1849, contributing to the governance and early growth of the state’s principal public university. On February 24, 1846, he was appointed United States Marshal for the district of Michigan, a federal law enforcement and judicial officer, and he served in that post until 1849. These roles reflected the confidence placed in him at both the state and federal levels and extended his influence beyond elective office.

Austin Eli Wing died in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 27, 1849. He was interred in Woodland Cemetery in Monroe, Michigan, returning in death to the community that had been central to his later political career.