Charles Naylor

Charles Naylor (October 6, 1806 – December 24, 1872) was an American politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Whig party member of the United States House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district from 1837 to 1841. During the Philadelphia nativist riots, he was arrested while preventing militia troops from firing on nativist rioters. He raised a company of volunteers, known as the Philadelphia Rangers, and served as captain during the Mexican-American War. Early life and education Naylor was born on October 6, 1806, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At a young age he read John Neal's poem Battle of Niagara and became inspired by Neal's life. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1828 and began to practice law in Philadelphia. Career He held several local offices, and was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1836 to the Twenty-fifth Congress. He was elected as a Whig to the Twenty-fifth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Francis Jacob Harper. There were allegations of fraud during the election against Charles J. Ingersoll. Local election officials certified Ingersoll as the winner while state officials declared Naylor the winner. Both candidates claimed victory and appeared in Washington D.C. to claim the seat. Congress declared Naylor the winner by 775 votes and he was sworn into office. He was reelected to the Twenty-sixth Congress. He declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1840. He resumed the practice of law.