George R. Latham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Robert Latham
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 2nd district |
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| In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1867 |
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| Preceded by | William G. Brown |
| Succeeded by | Bethuel Kitchen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 9, 1832 Haymarket, Virginia, US |
| Died | December 16, 1917 (aged 85) Buckhannon, West Virginia, US |
| Political party | Unconditional Unionist |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer |
George Robert Latham (March 9, 1832 – December 16, 1917) was a farmer, lawyer, and politician from the 1800s. He helped create the state of West Virginia during the American Civil War. During the war, he was a colonel in the Union Army. Later, he served one term as a U.S. Representative for West Virginia from 1865 to 1867. He also worked as a U.S. Consul in Melbourne, Australia, before returning home to farm and work in local government.
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Early Life and Education
George Robert Latham was born near Haymarket, Virginia, on March 9, 1832. He went to school and later studied law. In 1857, he married Caroline Thayer in Taylor County. George and Caroline would later have eight children together.
Career and Public Service
As a young man, Latham moved west across the Appalachian Mountains. He became a lawyer in 1859 and started his law practice in Grafton, which was a busy railroad town. By 1860, he was also publishing a weekly newspaper called the Western Virginian. This newspaper supported the idea of keeping the United States together.
The Civil War and West Virginia
Latham was in charge of the local militia, known as the Grafton Guards. When Virginia decided to leave the Union in April 1861, Latham and his Grafton Guards protected their railroads. People in western Virginia did not want to leave the Union. They met in Wheeling to discuss forming a new state. Latham was very active in these meetings.
Soon after, Latham and his Grafton Guards joined the Union Army. They became Company B of the 2nd West Virginia Infantry Regiment. Latham started as a captain and was later promoted to colonel of the 6th West Virginia Cavalry Regiment.
Serving in Congress and Abroad
In 1864, voters in West Virginia elected Latham to the United States House of Representatives. He served from 1865 to 1867. After his term, he did not run for re-election. Instead, he became a U.S. Consul in Melbourne, Australia in 1867. He returned to West Virginia in 1870.
After coming back, Latham lived in Buckhannon. He worked as a farmer and also served as the school superintendent from 1875 to 1877. He also helped with the United States Census in West Virginia.
Later Life and Legacy
George Robert Latham passed away in Buckhannon, West Virginia, on December 16, 1917. He was buried in Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon.
