Andrew Russell Barbee Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Russell Barbee Jr.
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| Born | December 9, 1827 Hawsburg, Rappahannock County, Virginia |
| Died | August 5, 1903 (aged 75) |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Andrew Russell Barbee Jr. (born December 9, 1827 – died August 5, 1903) was an important doctor and leader. He served as a surgeon during the American Civil War for the Confederate side. After the war, he became the head of the U.S. Board of Pension Examiners. This board helped decide who received money from the government after serving in the military.
He also worked as the secretary for the State Board of Health. This group helps keep people healthy in the state. As a member of the West Virginia Senate, he helped create laws about doctors and health. These laws made sure that medical care was safe and proper. He also helped create the State Board of Health itself.
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Early Life and Education
Andrew Russell Barbee Jr.'s family came from France. They were French-Huguenots, a group of French Protestants. His family settled in Virginia a long time ago. Andrew was born in a place called Hawsburg, in Rappahannock County, Virginia. He was one of eleven children.
His father, Andrew Russell Barbee Sr., had French and Welsh family roots. His mother, Nancy Barbee, had Irish and German family roots. Andrew Sr. managed a toll road through Thornton Gap. A toll road is one where you pay a fee to use it. The family lived in a lodge near this road.
Before becoming a doctor, Andrew Barbee Jr. worked as a tanner. A tanner prepares animal hides to make leather. He went to school in Petersburg, Virginia. Then, he studied medicine with Dr. J. J. Thompson from 1848 to 1849. He also studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Richmond Medical College. He earned his medical degree (M.D.) in April 1851 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Medical and Military Career
Dr. Barbee started his medical practice in Flint Hill, Rappahannock County, Virginia. Later, in 1852, he moved to Criglersville in Madison County, Virginia. After that, he moved to Poca, West Virginia. There, he worked as a farmer and planter until the Civil War began. He practiced general medicine, but he was especially skilled in surgery. He also treated long-term illnesses.
Service in the Civil War
Even though Dr. Barbee did not agree with states leaving the United States, he felt it was his duty to Virginia. So, he joined the Confederate army. In 1859, after John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, he formed a group of volunteer soldiers. When Virginia left the Union in 1861, his company joined the Confederate service. They became Company A of the Twenty-second Virginia Regiment. Dr. Barbee led this company as a captain.
He fought in the Kanawha Valley campaign. On May 2, 1862, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of his regiment. He served until he was injured in the Battle of Dry Creek on August 26, 1863. After recovering from his wounds in January 1864, he left active combat.
He was then assigned to the medical department of the Confederate army. He held the rank of colonel. He worked with General John C. Breckinridge as a medical officer. When General Breckinridge moved to another area, Dr. Barbee became the commanding colonel and chief medical officer. Later, he was in charge of medical care for Virginia's reserve forces in Southwest Virginia. He was part of all the battles in that area. He kept this important role until General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House.
Post-War Life and Politics
After the war ended, Dr. Barbee moved to Buffalo, West Virginia. Later, he moved to Point Pleasant, West Virginia. He continued his work as a doctor and surgeon. He also became involved in politics. He was a member of the State Senate from 1880 to 1884. He served one term, which lasted four years. After that, he tried to become a member of Congress for the Republican party. He ran for Congress twice but did not win either time.
Dr. Barbee was an active member of several medical groups. These included the Mason County Medical Association and the Gallia County Medical Association. He was also part of the Ohio Valley Medical Association. He was a member of the West Virginia State Medical Association and was elected its president in 1875. He also held leadership roles on boards of education and other public groups.
Family Life
On May 18, 1852, Andrew Barbee Jr. married Margaret Ann Gillespie. She was born in 1834. Her parents were Dr. John J. and Ann Thompson. Andrew and Margaret had several children. Their children included John, Mary Blanche, Kate Louise, William, Ann Rebecca, and Hugh Arthur.
