Samuel Brashear Avis

Samuel Brashear Avis (February 19, 1872 – June 8, 1924) was an American lawyer and Republican politician who represented West Virginia in the United States House of Representatives from 1913 to 1915. He was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he attended the local public schools before enrolling at Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia. His early education at a military academy provided him with a disciplined background that preceded his later service as a volunteer officer during the Spanish–American War.

Avis pursued higher education in law at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He was graduated from the law department and, having completed his legal studies, was admitted to the bar in 1893. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where he commenced the practice of law. His relocation to Charleston marked the beginning of a long professional association with Kanawha County and the southern district of West Virginia, both in private practice and in public legal service.

With the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in 1898, Avis entered military service. He was commissioned senior captain of Company A, Second West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, reflecting both his legal prominence and his earlier military schooling. He served in this capacity until 1899, when he was honorably discharged from the volunteer forces. His wartime service enhanced his public profile in West Virginia and helped establish his credentials as a civic leader.

Following his return from military service, Avis embarked on a significant career in public prosecution. He was elected prosecuting attorney of Kanawha County, West Virginia, serving from January 1, 1900, to December 31, 1912. During this twelve-year tenure, he was responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases in one of the state’s most important and populous counties, a role that solidified his reputation as a capable and experienced attorney. In addition to his county responsibilities, he briefly served at the federal level as an assistant United States attorney for the southern district of West Virginia from August 22 to November 15, 1904, gaining experience in federal law enforcement and litigation.

Avis’s long record in local and federal legal work led to his election to Congress as a Republican. He was elected to the Sixty-third Congress and served a single term from March 4, 1913, to March 3, 1915, representing a West Virginia district in the United States House of Representatives. His service in Congress occurred during the administration of President Woodrow Wilson and at a time of significant national debate over tariff policy, banking reform, and the early stirrings of American involvement in world affairs. Although he sought to continue his legislative career, he was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1914 to the Sixty-fourth Congress.

After leaving Congress in March 1915, Avis returned to Charleston and resumed the practice of law. Drawing on his extensive experience as a county prosecutor, federal attorney, and former Member of Congress, he continued to be an influential figure in the legal and civic life of his community. He remained in private practice until his death, maintaining his professional base in Charleston.

Samuel Brashear Avis died tragically on June 8, 1924, when he was killed by lightning in Charleston, West Virginia. His sudden death brought an abrupt end to a career that had spanned military service, county and federal legal offices, and national legislative responsibilities. He was interred in Spring Hill Cemetery in Charleston, West Virginia, where he is buried among many of the city’s prominent citizens.