James Buchanan Richmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Buchanan Richmond
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th district |
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| In office March 4, 1879 – March 3, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | Auburn Pridemore |
| Succeeded by | Abram Fulkerson |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Lee County, Virginia district |
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| In office January 1, 1874 – December 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | William P. Queen |
| Succeeded by | Ira P. Robinette |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 27, 1842 Turkey Cove Lee County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 1910 (aged 68) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Lizzie Duncan, Kate Morison |
| Residences | Gate City, Scott County, Virginia |
| Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Judge, Banker |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Virginia Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Virginia Militia Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel (CSA) |
| Unit | 15th Virginia Infantry 64th Virginia Mounted Infantry |
| Commands | 64th Virginia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Buchanan Richmond (born February 27, 1842 – died April 30, 1910) was an important politician, lawyer, judge, and banker from Virginia in the 1800s. He served in the United States Congress and was a judge.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Richmond was born on February 27, 1842, in Turkey Cove, Lee County, Virginia. His parents were Jonathan and Mary Dickenson Richmond. He had many brothers and sisters.
He went to Emory and Henry College. After college, he studied law to become a lawyer.
Family Life
In 1864, James Richmond married Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzie) Duncan. They had a son, Henry C. L. Richmond, and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Richmond Cox Deisher. Lizzie passed away in 1869.
The next year, in 1870, Richmond married Catherine (Kate) Morison. She was from Scott County. His son, Henry C. L. Richmond, also became a lawyer.
Professional Career
Richmond started his career as a lawyer. He practiced law in Lee County and nearby Scott and Wise Counties. He also worked in higher courts, like the court of appeals.
After his time as a judge, he became the chief lawyer for the South Atlantic & Ohio Railroad Company. He also worked in banking.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, James Richmond joined the Confederate Army. His older brothers, William, Jonathan, and Henry, also joined. Sadly, Jonathan died early in the war.
James Richmond started as an orderly sergeant. He was promoted to captain of Company A of the 15th Virginia Infantry. Later, his unit joined with the 64th Virginia Mounted Infantry.
Richmond was then promoted to major, and later to lieutenant colonel. He served under Colonel Auburn Pridemore. Richmond would later run against Pridemore for a political position.
Political Journey
After the Civil War ended, James Richmond received a pardon. He then went back to being a lawyer.
Virginia House of Delegates
In 1873, voters in Lee County chose him to represent them. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1874 to 1875. He took the place of William P. Queen. After his term, Ira Robinette became the delegate.
United States Congress
In 1878, Richmond ran for the United States House of Representatives. He believed in "sound money," which meant having a stable currency. He won against Congressman Pridemore.
He served one term in Congress, from 1879 to 1881. He lost in the next election to Abram Fulkerson.
Judge and Convention Delegate
In 1886, the Virginia General Assembly chose Richmond to be a judge for Scott County, Virginia. He served as a judge for six years, from 1886 to 1892.
Richmond also represented Scott County at the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1902. This meeting helped update Virginia's laws, including rules about voting and businesses.
Death and Lasting Impact
James Richmond passed away on April 30, 1910, in Baltimore, Maryland. His wife was buried next to him in Estill Cemetery in Gate City, Virginia the following year.
His son, Henry C.L. Richmond, followed in his father's footsteps. He also became a lawyer and served as a local prosecutor. He was later elected mayor of Gate City. A highway marker in Virginia honors James B. Richmond and other Congressmen from the area.
