Peter G. Van Winkle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter G. Van Winkle
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| United States Senator from West Virginia |
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| In office August 4, 1863 – March 3, 1869 |
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| Preceded by | office established |
| Succeeded by | Arthur I. Boreman |
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates | |
| In office 1863 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1808 New York, New York |
| Died | April 15, 1872 (aged 63) Parkersburg, West Virginia |
| Political party | Unionist |
| Other political affiliations |
Republican |
| Spouse | Julia Rathbone |
Peter Godwin Van Winkle (September 7, 1808 – April 15, 1872) was an important American lawyer, businessman, and politician. He was a key leader of the Northwestern Virginia Railroad for many years. Van Winkle also helped create the state of West Virginia. Later, he became a U.S. Senator for West Virginia.
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Early Life and Family
Peter Van Winkle was born in New York City on September 7, 1808. He came from a well-known family. He finished his early studies and then studied law. After that, he became a lawyer.
He married Juliet Rathbone. Her family was very important in western Virginia. They were involved in developing oil fields. Four years later, Peter and Juliet moved to Parkersburg, which was then in Virginia. They had three children who grew up: Rathbone, Godwin, and Mary. Juliet Van Winkle passed away many years before Peter.
Career and Public Service
In 1835, Van Winkle started his law practice in Parkersburg. He served as the president of the town's board of trustees from 1844 to 1850. In 1850, people in Wood County elected him. He represented them at the Virginia State constitutional convention.
From 1852, he was a leader at the Northwestern Virginia Railroad Co. He served as treasurer and later as president.
Forming West Virginia
When Virginia decided to leave the Union, many people in its western part were upset. In 1861, voters in Wood County elected Van Winkle to a special meeting called the Wheeling Convention. He helped set up the government that stayed loyal to the Union.
In 1862, he was an important delegate. He helped write the first constitution for West Virginia. In 1863, he was elected to the first session of the West Virginia House of Delegates. When West Virginia became a state, voters chose Van Winkle to be a U.S. Senator. He served from August 4, 1863, to March 3, 1869.
Role in Andrew Johnson's Impeachment
During his time as a Senator, a big event happened. President Andrew Johnson faced an impeachment trial. This meant the Senate was deciding if he should be removed from office. Van Winkle was a Republican, but he voted differently from most of his party. He voted for President Johnson to stay in office.
Nine other Republican senators also voted this way. Their vote helped President Johnson avoid being removed. The impeachment failed by just one vote. There were discussions about why some senators voted the way they did.
After his Senate term, West Virginia Governor Arthur Boreman was elected to take his place. In 1866, Van Winkle also attended a meeting in Philadelphia. This meeting was for people from the South who stayed loyal to the Union.
Death and Lasting Impact
Peter Van Winkle passed away in Parkersburg in 1872. He was buried next to his wife in Riverview Cemetery.
His grandnephew, Marshall Van Winkle, later became a U.S. Representative for New Jersey.
Peter Van Winkle's old home in Parkersburg is now known as the Peter G. Van Winkle House. It is a historic building in the Julia-Ann Square Historic District.
Images for kids
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Former Home of Peter Van Winkle in Parkersburg, WV
