Samuel H. Pulliam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Henry Pulliam
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| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the Richmond district |
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| In office December 5, 1877 – December 2, 1878 Serving with George K. Crutchfield, Joseph R. Anderson, W. W. Henry, B. C. Gray
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| Preceded by | James H. Dooley |
| Succeeded by | William Lovenstein |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 19, 1841 Henrico County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | April 6, 1908 (aged 67) Richmond, Virginia |
| Spouse | Kathleen Crenshaw |
| Children | Samuel H. Pulliam Jr. |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia |
| Occupation | businessman, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Virginia Confederate States |
| Branch/service | artillery |
| Rank | sergeant, lieutenant |
| Unit | Martin's Richmond Battery |
| Battles/wars | Siege of Petersburg |
Samuel Henry Pulliam (born January 19, 1841 – died April 6, 1908) was a soldier during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a successful businessman and politician in Virginia. He worked as an insurance agent and served on the city council of Richmond, Virginia. He also served one term in the Virginia House of Delegates, which is part of Virginia's state government.
Early Life and Family
Samuel Henry Pulliam was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 19, 1841. His father, Samuel Thompson Pulliam, was the city recorder for Richmond. His mother was Henrietta Mulls Jackson. Samuel came from a family with a history of military service. His grandfather, Mosby Pulliam, fought in the state militia during the American Revolutionary War. His great-grandfather, John Jackson, was a private in the Continental Army during the same war.
Samuel had several brothers and sisters. He attended private schools and later studied mathematics at Richmond College (now the University of Richmond). He also studied at Charlottesville, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Virginia.
In 1850, Samuel's father, Samuel T. Pulliam, was involved in the system of slavery, which was common in Virginia at the time.
Samuel Pulliam married Kathleen Crenshaw. Her father, Lewis D. Crenshaw, was a partner in a large flour mill in Richmond. Lewis Crenshaw also bought and remodeled the house that later became the White House of the Confederacy. Samuel and Kathleen had one son, Samuel Henry Pulliam Jr.
Service in the Civil War
In April 1862, Samuel Pulliam joined the Confederate army as a private. He was part of a light artillery company. This company was made up of volunteers from southern Virginia and North Carolina.
About three months later, he was promoted to orderly sergeant. In October 1863, he became a First Lieutenant. He often led his unit, known as Martin's Battery, when his captain was away. This unit served in and around Richmond, as well as in parts of southeastern Virginia and North Carolina.
Career After the War
After the Civil War ended, Samuel Pulliam returned to Richmond. He thought about becoming a teacher, but instead used his math skills to become an agent for an insurance company. He helped assess claims related to the war in cities like Norfolk and Petersburg.
He also took over his father's old job as Richmond's city recorder. Pulliam became very active in the local Democratic Party. He was a member of the Democratic City Central Committee. He also served four years on Richmond's city council, helping to make decisions for the city.
In 1875, Pulliam started his own fire insurance company. It operated in Virginia and other states. Even when that company closed, he continued working as a general insurance agent in Richmond.
In 1877, voters in Richmond elected Samuel Pulliam to the Virginia House of Delegates. This was a part-time job. He served one term there. After his term, he went back to his real estate and insurance work. He also became active in the Sons of the American Revolution, an organization for descendants of people who supported the American Revolution. In 1900, he served as the Vice President of the Virginia chapter.
Later Life and Legacy
Samuel Pulliam passed away on April 6, 1908. He was buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.
His life story and some of his writings are preserved in museums and historical societies. For example, the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, Virginia, has a short biography he wrote. The Virginia Historical Society has a letter he wrote to his aunt in 1863 during the Civil War. He was survived by his son, Samuel Henry Pulliam Jr.
