W. Selden Washington
Wilson Selden Washington (September 13, 1889 – July 21, 1953) was an American businessman and Democratic politician from Virginia. He worked as a realtor and served in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Alexandria, from 1944 to 1948.
Early life
He was born in Marshall, Fauquier County, Virginia, to Lawrence Washington and Frances Lackland. The Washington family is descended from John Augustine Washington, the brother of President George Washington. The family moved to Alexandria during his childhood. He attended Alexandria Public Schools and Bliss Electrical School in Washington, D.C.
Military service
During World War I, Washington joined the U.S. Army and served in the Coast Artillery Corps. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1918.
Personal life
In 1920, he married Irene Watkins Tinley. They had two children: Wilson Selden Washington Jr. and Nancy James Washington.
Community and career
Washington was active in many local organizations. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, the Rotary Club, and a Freemason who served as Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. He belonged to the Army-Navy Country Club and the Boy Scouts of America. In business, he served as president of the Alexandria-Arlington-Fairfax Real Estate Board and was part of the Northern Virginia Underwriters Association.
Political career
In 1943, Washington was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing Alexandria. He served two terms, from January 12, 1944, to January 13, 1948. He was preceded by Maurice D. Rosenberg and succeeded by Armistead L. Boothe.
Death
Washington died on July 21, 1953, in Alexandria, Virginia, at the age of 63. He is buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 16:10 (CET).