John Witcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Seashoal Witcher
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 3rd district |
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| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | Daniel Polsley |
| Succeeded by | Frank Hereford |
| 3rd Secretary of State of West Virginia | |
| In office 1867–1869 |
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| Governor | William E. Stevenson |
| Preceded by | Granville D. Hall |
| Succeeded by | James M. Pipes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 15, 1839 Cabell County, Virginia, United States (now West Virginia) |
| Died | July 8, 1906 (aged 66) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mahaley Witcher |
| Profession | Politician, Soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Union Army United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 1880–1899 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Unit | 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Seashoal Witcher (July 15, 1839 – July 8, 1906) was an American farmer, politician, and soldier. He was born in Cabell County, which was then part of Virginia. John Witcher played an important role in creating the new state of West Virginia during the American Civil War.
He served as a Republican in the U.S. Congress for one term. Before that, he was a lieutenant colonel in the 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. He also served as the 3rd Secretary of State of West Virginia. Later, he continued his career with the federal government and the U.S. Army.
Early Life and Family
John Witcher was born on July 15, 1839, in Cabell County, Virginia. This area is now part of West Virginia. His parents were Jeremiah Witcher and Polly Witcher, who were farmers.
John was the only son in his family. He had an older sister named Emily and two younger sisters, America and Valeria. As a child, he went to local private schools. He also helped his family work on their farm.
John Witcher married Mahaley F. Witcher. She was four years younger than him. They had a daughter named Valera in 1862. They also had three sons: William V. Witcher, P. Sheridan Witcher, and John T. Witcher.
Military and Political Career
In 1860, John Witcher worked as a farmer. The next year, in 1861, he was elected as the clerk for the circuit court in Cabell County.
When the American Civil War began, John Witcher joined the Union Army. On December 13, 1862, he became a first lieutenant in the 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. He quickly moved up in rank. He became a captain in 1863, a major in 1864, and a lieutenant colonel in 1865. He left the army with honor on June 30, 1865.
After the war ended, the people of Cabell County elected John Witcher to represent them. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He also became West Virginia's 3rd Secretary of State.
On March 18, 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated Witcher for a special military honor. He was appointed to the rank of brevet brigadier general. This rank was made official by the United States Senate on March 28, 1867.
In 1868, John Witcher was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served as a Republican from 1869 to 1871. After his term, he was not re-elected.
However, he continued to serve the country. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him as a collector for the internal revenue in West Virginia. He held this job from 1871 to 1876. From 1878 to 1880, Witcher worked as a U.S. pension agent in Washington, D.C..
In 1880, he became a major and paymaster for the United States Army. He worked in this role until he retired in 1899. On April 23, 1904, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel on the retired list.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1891, John Witcher moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He lived there until his death on July 8, 1906. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a famous military cemetery.
