James Craig Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Craig Taylor
|
|
|---|---|
| Attorney General of Virginia | |
| In office January 19, 1870 – January 1, 1874 |
|
| Governor | Gilbert Carlton Walker |
| Preceded by | Charles Whittlesey |
| Succeeded by | Raleigh Travers Daniel |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the Carroll, Floyd, Grayson, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties district |
|
| In office September 7, 1863 – March 15, 1865 |
|
| Preceded by | John Dickenson |
| Succeeded by | n/a |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Montgomery district |
|
| In office December 7, 1881 – December 4, 1883 |
|
| Preceded by | William M. Ellis |
| Succeeded by | William M. Ellis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 23, 1826 Montgomery County, Virginia |
| Died | September 24, 1874 (aged 60) Christiansburg, Virginia |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Catherine Rebecca Wade |
| Occupation | lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Virginia Confederate States |
| Branch/service |  Virginia Militia Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Major |
| Unit | 54th Virginia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Battle of Middle Creek |
James Craig Taylor (September 23, 1826 – October 25, 1887) was an important lawyer and politician from Virginia. He also published a newspaper. He became the Attorney General of Virginia right after the Reconstruction era ended.
Taylor served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was also a member of the Virginia Senate from 1863 to 1865. After the war, he won a big election in Virginia in 1869. Later, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Craig Taylor was born on September 23, 1826. He was the second son of Mary Montgomery Craig and Creede Taylor. His family lived in Montgomery County, Virginia. The town of Christiansburg, Virginia was established on land donated by his grandfather.
James had seven brothers and sisters. He received a private education. Later, he studied law with a firm in Christiansburg. He married Catherine Rebecca Wade in 1851. They had eight children together.
A Career in Law and Publishing
James Craig Taylor became a lawyer in 1850. He opened his own law office in Christiansburg. He worked on many cases in Virginia courts. He also published a newspaper called The Star. This newspaper was popular in Christiansburg.
Before becoming a lawyer, James and his older brother George served in the Mexican–American War. This war happened from 1848 to 1849.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, James Craig Taylor supported the Confederate States Army. In 1861, he helped raise money for the Confederate war effort. He also became a captain in the 54th Virginia Infantry.
He fought in battles, including the Battle of Middle Creek in Kentucky. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1862. All five of the Taylor brothers fought for the Confederacy. His younger brother Robert died in battle.
Political Life in Virginia
In 1863, people in several Virginia counties elected Taylor to the Virginia Senate. He served there until the end of the Civil War.
After the war, James C. Taylor ran for Attorney General of Virginia. He ran alongside Gilbert C. Walker, who was running for governor. They were part of the Virginia Conservative Party.
In July 1869, Virginia voters chose a new state constitution. They also elected James C. Taylor as Attorney General. He won with many votes. This election marked the end of military rule in Virginia.
As Attorney General, Taylor worked on important state issues. He helped manage Virginia's finances. He also supported the new public schools.
After his term as Attorney General, Taylor went back to his private law practice. He also taught at the Montgomery Male Academy. He served on the board for the Montgomery Female Academy.
In 1883, voters in Montgomery County elected him to the Virginia House of Delegates. He served one term there.
Later Life and Legacy
James C. Taylor passed away in Christiansburg on October 25, 1887. He was buried in Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg. He had helped establish this cemetery in 1879.
