Born in Trenton, New Jersey; was tutored privately in Flushing, New York, and graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1838; studied law; admitted to the bar in 1841 and commenced practice in Trenton; served as commissioner in bankruptcy; moved to Burlington, New Jersey in 1847; mayor of Burlington 1850; was tendered the Democratic nomination for Congress in 1850, but declined; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1854 to the Thirty-fourth United States Congress; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John R. Thompson and served from January 14 to March 3, 1863; unsuccessful candidate for reelection; resumed the practice of law in Burlington; also engaged in literary pursuits; moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1869 where he died; interment in the churchyard of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Burlington, N.J.

Bibliography Wall, James W. The Constitution: Originating in Compromise, It Can Only Be Preserved by Adhering to Its Spirit, and Observing Its Every Obligation. Philadelphia: King & Baird, 1862 Wall, James W. Speeches for the Times by Hon. James W. Wall, of New Jersey. New York: J. Walter & Co., 1864.