Sidney Smith Baxter facts for kids

Sidney Smith Baxter (born November 18, 1802 – died December 7, 1879) was an important lawyer from Virginia. He served as the top legal officer for the state, called the Attorney General of Virginia, for many years. This job meant he was the chief lawyer for the state government. Later in his life, he worked for the Confederate government during the American Civil War. He investigated claims of unfair treatment, especially in the western parts of Virginia.

Early Life and Family

Sidney Smith Baxter was born in Lexington, Virginia. He was one of nine children. His father, George A. Baxter, was a respected minister and a professor. He even became the president of Washington College, which is now known as Washington and Lee University. Sidney's grandfather, William Fleming, was a governor of Virginia during the American Revolutionary War.

Sidney followed in his father's footsteps and graduated from Washington College in 1821. After college, he studied law with experienced lawyers in Lexington. This was how many people became lawyers back then.

In 1829, Sidney married Anna Boucher Nicholls. They had seven children together. Sadly, only one of their children lived longer than Sidney. His wife and youngest daughter passed away close together in 1846. Later, during the Civil War, both of his sons died because of their service to the Confederacy. One son was killed in battle, and the other died from an illness he caught in prison.

Career as a Lawyer

Sidney Baxter became a lawyer in 1823. He had his own law practice in Rockbridge County and nearby areas. He worked on many different types of cases in various courts.

Attorney General of Virginia

In 1834, the Virginia General Assembly chose Sidney Baxter to be the Attorney General of Virginia. This was a big job! He won by just a few votes. At first, the Attorney General's job had limited power and a small salary. Most Attorneys General also kept their private law practices to earn more money.

However, in 1835, a new law made the Attorney General's role more important. Sidney Baxter was now required to give legal advice to the governor and other state officials. He also had to represent the state in all important court cases. This meant he worked in the highest courts in Virginia.

Sidney Baxter was also part of several important state groups. One of the most important was the Board of Public Works, which managed state projects. He was also involved with the James River and Kanawha Company, which built canals and transportation routes. He served as a trustee for Washington College for many years. He was also a leader in the Masons, a fraternal organization.

In 1851, the way the Attorney General was chosen changed. People would now vote for the position. Sidney Baxter ran for re-election but lost.

After his time as Attorney General, Baxter moved to Washington, D.C. He continued his law practice there, focusing on land claims in federal courts.

Confederate Service

When the American Civil War began in 1861, Sidney Baxter returned to Richmond, Virginia. He took on a special role for the Confederate government. He was asked to investigate cases of political prisoners. He was worried that treating people unfairly in western Virginia might make them less supportive of the Confederacy. He also looked into cases of people accused of spying. As the war continued, he helped with prisoner exchanges and checked on conditions in Confederate military prisons.

After the War

After the Civil War ended, Sidney Baxter returned to Lexington. He received a pardon, which allowed him to continue his life and work. He then moved to Wytheville and started his law practice again. He also advised on railroad projects. Later, he moved his practice to Marion.

In 1865, he published a book about Freemasonry and the war. He also wrote an essay about the history of Washington College, which was published after he died.

Death and Legacy

Sidney Baxter retired from his law practice in 1876. He went to live with his only surviving child. He passed away on December 7, 1879, in Jeffersonville, Virginia. He was buried with special honors from the Masons. His letters and papers are kept in university libraries, helping us learn more about his life and times.