Alfred Madison Barbour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfred Madison Barbour
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| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Monongalia County district |
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| In office December 7, 1857 – March 1861 Serving with A. G. Davis
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| Preceded by | William Lantz |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alfred Madison Barbour
April 17, 1829 Culpeper County, Virginia |
| Died | April 4, 1866 (aged 36) Montgomery, Alabama |
| Resting place | Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper, Virginia |
| Citizenship | United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Kate Daniels |
| Relations | brother of John S. Barbour, Jr. first cousin once removed of James Barbour and Philip P. Barbour |
| Parents | John S. Barbour Ella A. Byrne |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia Harvard University |
| Occupation | lawyer, politician, soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Virginia Militia Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Major |
Alfred Madison Barbour (born April 17, 1829 – died April 4, 1866) was an important figure in Virginia during the 1800s. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a soldier. He served as a representative in the Virginia House of Delegates, which is like a state legislature. He also played a key role as the leader of the Harpers Ferry Armory during John Brown's raid. Even though he first voted against Virginia leaving the United States, he later became a major in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
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Early Life and Education
Alfred Madison Barbour was born on April 17, 1829, in Culpeper County, Virginia. His father, John S. Barbour, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His mother was Ella A. Byrne.
Alfred went to college at the University of Virginia. He then studied law at Harvard Law School.
Public Service and Key Events
After finishing his studies, Barbour returned to Virginia. Voters in Monongalia County chose him to be one of their representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates. He served in this role from 1857 to 1858.
In January 1859, Barbour was put in charge of the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. An armory is a place where weapons are made and stored. He worked there until the American Civil War started in 1861.
In October 1859, a famous event called John Brown's raid happened. John Brown and his group attacked the armory and took control of the town. Barbour was not there at the time. He later said that even if he had been there, he couldn't have done much without soldiers.
Despite this event, people in Jefferson County elected Barbour to represent them at the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861. This was a meeting where Virginia decided whether to leave the United States. At first, Barbour voted against leaving. However, on April 17, he changed his vote and supported Virginia leaving the Union. His brother, James Barbour, who represented their home county, also voted to leave.
Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Alfred Madison Barbour joined the Confederate States Army. He worked as a quartermaster. A quartermaster is an officer who makes sure soldiers have supplies like food, clothing, and equipment. He worked for important generals like Joseph E. Johnston and Leonidas Polk.
By December 1861, he was promoted to be the quartermaster for all Confederate armies. Later, he was assigned to different roles, including serving in Meridian, Mississippi. By 1864, he was working as an assistant quartermaster in Montgomery, Alabama. He stayed there even after the war ended.
Later Life and Death
Alfred Madison Barbour passed away on April 4, 1866, in Montgomery, Alabama. His body was brought back to Culpeper, Virginia. He was buried at Fairview Cemetery.
