Robert E. Withers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert E. Withers
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| United States Senator from Virginia |
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| In office March 4, 1875 – March 4, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | John F. Lewis |
| Succeeded by | William Mahone |
| 11th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia | |
| In office January 1, 1874 – March 1, 1875 |
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| Governor | James L. Kemper |
| Preceded by | John L. Marye, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Henry W. Thomas |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert Enoch Withers
September 18, 1821 Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | September 21, 1907 (aged 86) Wytheville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Robert Enoch Withers (September 18, 1821 – September 21, 1907) was an American doctor, soldier, newspaper owner, politician, and diplomat. He represented Virginia in the United States Senate. He also worked as a U.S. Consul in Hong Kong.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Enoch Withers was born near Lynchburg, Virginia. He went to private schools. In 1841, he graduated from the medical school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. After finishing his studies, he started working as a doctor in Campbell County. In 1858, Withers moved to Danville, Virginia. While at university, he joined the Freemasons, a group he stayed with his whole life.
Service During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Withers joined the Confederate Army in early 1861. He started as a major in the 18th Virginia Infantry regiment. Later, he was promoted to colonel and led his regiment. He had to leave the army because of several serious injuries. After that, he was put in charge of the Confederate military base in Danville. He held this job until the war ended.
A Career in Politics
After the Civil War, Withers moved back to Lynchburg in 1866. He started a daily newspaper called the Lynchburg News. This paper supported the Conservative Party. He was considered to run for Governor of Virginia by that party, but he decided not to. In 1872, he was a presidential elector for the Democratic ticket. This meant he helped choose the president.
Lieutenant Governor and Senator
In 1873, Withers was elected as the 11th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. He served in this role until 1875. He was then elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate. He served as a U.S. Senator from March 4, 1875, to March 4, 1881. During his time in the Senate, he led the Committee on Pensions in the 46th Congress. Withers tried to be re-elected in 1881 but lost. He was defeated by William Mahone, a former Civil War general.
Diplomat in Hong Kong
In 1885, President Grover Cleveland appointed Withers as the United States consul in British Hong Kong. He worked there until 1889, when he resigned.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as a diplomat, Robert Withers returned to the United States. He retired to Wytheville, Virginia. During his retirement, he wrote his life story, called Memoirs of an Octogenarian. He was a distant relative of famous figures like George Washington and Robert E. Lee. He was also a direct descendant of Nicolas Martiau, who founded Yorktown, Virginia.
Withers passed away at the "Ingleside" plantation in Wytheville on September 21, 1907. He was buried in the East End Cemetery.
