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Richard Henry Carter
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the Fauquier County district
In office
1853 – January , 1856
Personal details
Born (1817-04-21)April 21, 1817
Marshall, Virginia, US
Died April 7, 1880(1880-04-07) (aged 62)
Panama
Residence Glen Welby
Occupation planter, politician, Confederate officer
Military service
Allegiance  Confederate States
Branch/service Confederate States Army
Years of service 1861-65
Rank major
Unit 8th Virginia Infantry
Battles/wars Battle of Gettysburg
Grave of Richard Henry Carter, Warrenton Cemetery
Carter's grave in the Warrenton Cemetery

Richard Henry Carter (April 21, 1817 – April 17, 1880) was an important person from Virginia. He was a farmer who owned a large farm, a politician, and an officer in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.

Who Was Richard Henry Carter?

Richard Henry Carter was born on April 21, 1817. He grew up in Marshall, a town in Fauquier County, Virginia. His parents were Edward Carter and Frances Toy Carter.

Early Life and Family

Richard was one of several children in his family. He married Mary Welby DeButts. Together, they had eleven children. Sadly, many of their children passed away when they were young. One of his daughters, Fanny, later married R. Taylor Scott.

A Career in Politics

Richard Henry Carter was involved in politics. He served as a representative for Fauquier County in the Virginia General Assembly. This is like being a member of the state's government. He held this position from 1853 to 1856. He was re-elected once, showing that people trusted him to represent them.

Serving in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Virginia decided to leave the United States. Richard Henry Carter helped to form a group of soldiers called the 8th Virginia Infantry. He became a captain in this group. He fought throughout the entire war.

He was injured during a very famous battle called the Battle of Gettysburg. By the end of the war, he had become a Major. He finished his service at Appomattox Court House. His brothers, Winston Fitzhugh Carter and William Fitzhugh Carter, also became officers in the Confederate Army. Winston died during the war in 1862. Richard's son, Edward C. Carter, also served as an officer.

Later Life and Legacy

Richard Henry Carter passed away on April 17, 1880, in Panama. His body was brought back to Fauquier County, Virginia, to be buried.

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