Auburn Pridemore facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Auburn Lorenzo Pridemore
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th district
In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1879
Preceded by	William Terry
Succeeded by	James Richmond
Member of the Virginia Senate
In office 1871 – 1875
Preceded by	George H. Kendrick
Succeeded by	Henry C. Slemp
Personal details
Born	(1837-06-27)June 27, 1837 Scott County, Virginia, U.S.
Died	May 17, 1900(1900-05-17) (aged 62) Jonesville, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Profession	Politician, Lawyer
Military service
Allegiance	Virginia  Confederate States
Branch/service	Virginia Militia  Confederate States Army
Rank	Colonel
Commands	21st Virginia Infantry Battalion 64th Virginia Infantry
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Middle Creek

Auburn Lorenzo Pridemore (June 27, 1837 – May 17, 1900) was an important figure in Virginia during the 1800s. He was a lawyer and a politician. He served in the Virginia Senate and later in the United States House of Representatives. This means he helped make laws for his state and for the whole country.

Growing Up in Virginia

Auburn Lorenzo Pridemore was born on June 27, 1837. His family lived in Scott County, Virginia. His parents were Daniel and Mary Ann Ingram Pridemore. He had an older brother, Hiram, and a younger sister, Sarah.

Auburn grew up helping on the family farm. He did not get much formal schooling as a child. Later in life, he decided to study law.

Family Life

Auburn Pridemore married Caladonia Justine Hill in 1869. Sadly, she passed away soon after their daughter, Mary, was born. Auburn lived with his wife's family for a while.

In 1875, he married Lucy E. Crockett. They had a son named Hiram.

Serving in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Auburn Pridemore joined the Confederate Army. He helped create a group of volunteer soldiers. On October 17, 1861, he became a captain of this group.

He was promoted several times during the war.

• In June 1862, he became a major.
• In December 1862, he became a lieutenant colonel.
• By February 1864, he was promoted to colonel.

As a colonel, he led the 64th Virginia Cavalry until the war ended.

A Career in Politics and Law

After the Civil War, Auburn Pridemore wanted to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates. However, because he had fought for the Confederacy, he was not allowed to take his seat. This was part of the "Reconstruction" period after the war.

Pridemore then focused on his education. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1867. He started his law practice in Jonesville, Virginia.

Serving in the Virginia Senate

In 1871, voters elected Pridemore to the Virginia Senate. He served there until 1875. In this role, he helped make laws for the state of Virginia. He was followed in office by Henry C. Slemp.

Representing Virginia in Congress

In 1876, Auburn Pridemore was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He represented Virginia's 9th congressional district.

He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1877 to 1879. He was replaced by James Buchanan Richmond after being defeated for re-election. After his time in Congress, Pridemore continued his work as a lawyer in Jonesville.

Later Life and Legacy

Auburn Lorenzo Pridemore passed away on May 17, 1900, in Jonesville, Virginia. He was buried in Hill Cemetery there.

He is also remembered for naming the community of Ben Hur, Virginia. He named it after the famous novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

See Also

• List of United States Representatives from Virginia