William Esselstyne Lansing (December 29, 1821 – July 29, 1883) was a U.S. Representative from New York during the American Civil War.

Biography

Lansing was born in Perryville, New York on December 29, 1821, a son of Abraham Wendell Lansing and Sarah (Holden) Lansing. He attended the local schools and graduated from Cazenovia Seminary in 1841. Lansing studied law in Utica, New York, was admitted to the bar in 1845, and commenced practice in Chittenango, New York. Entering politics as a Whig, Lansing served as district attorney of Madison County, New York from 1850 to 1853. From 1853 to 1854 he was Chittenango's village president. Lansing served as Madison County Clerk from 1855 to 1858. In 1860, Lansing was the successful Republican nominee for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. He served one term, March 4, 1861 to March 3, 1863 (the 37th Congress). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1862. Lansing was elected to the U.S. House again in 1870 and he was reelected in 1872. He served two terms, March 4, 1871 to March 3, 1875 (the 42nd and 43rd Congresses). He was not a candidate for renomination in 1874. After leaving Congress, Lansing resumed the practice of law in Syracuse, New York. He died in Syracuse on July 29, 1883. Lansing was buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Chittenango.