John Critcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Critcher
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873 |
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| Preceded by | Richard S. Ayer |
| Succeeded by | James B. Sener |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland and Lancaster Counties | |
| In office 1874–1877 |
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| Preceded by | Meriwether Lewis |
| Succeeded by | Edwin Betts |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from Westmoreland, Lancaster, Richmond and Northumberland Counties | |
| In office 1860–1861 |
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| Preceded by | Richard L. T. Beale |
| Succeeded by | George Lewis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 11, 1820 Oak Grove, Virginia |
| Died | September 27, 1901 (aged 81) Alexandria, Virginia |
| Resting place | Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, Virginia |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Know Nothing (1850s) |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Critcher (born March 11, 1820, died September 27, 1901) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Virginia. He also held important roles in the Virginia Senate, representing several counties.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Critcher was born on March 11, 1820, in Oak Grove, Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents were John Critcher and Sally Winter Covington. He had a younger brother named Henry Payson Critcher. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was young.
John attended Brent's Preparatory School. Later, he studied at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1839. After college, he continued his studies in France for three years.
Family Life
In 1857, John Critcher married Elizabeth Thomasia Kennon Whiting. They had several children together. Their first daughter, Elizabeth, died when she was young. However, their son John and three daughters, Anne, Louisa, and Catharine, lived to adulthood. Catharine Critcher became a well-known painter.
Legal and Political Career
John Critcher became a lawyer in 1842. He started his law practice in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Service During the Civil War
Before the American Civil War, Critcher was a member of the Virginia Senate in 1861. He also attended the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861, where Virginia decided to leave the United States. During the Civil War, he joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a major and later became a lieutenant colonel in the 15th Virginia Cavalry.
After the war, Virginia appointed him as a judge. However, during a time called Congressional Reconstruction, he was removed from this position. This was because he had fought against the United States. Later, after Reconstruction ended, he became a judge in Alexandria, Virginia.
Post-War Political Roles
In 1871, John Critcher was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served one term, from March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1873. After his time in Congress, he was elected to the Virginia Senate again. He served another four-year term from 1873 to 1877.
Even while serving in politics, Critcher also managed a farm in Westmoreland County. By 1894, he had moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where he worked as a judge.
Elections and Results
- In 1857, Critcher ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He was part of the American Party but lost the election.
- In 1870, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives again. This time, he was elected without anyone running against him.
Death and Legacy
John Critcher passed away in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 27, 1901. He was buried in Ivy Hill Cemetery.
Images for kids
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John Critcher in the Civil War
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Grave marker of John Critcher
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