PAUL, John, Congress, VA (1839-1901)

PAUL, John, (father of John Paul [1883-1964]), a Representative from Virginia; born in Rockingham County, Va., June 30, 1839; attended the common schools and Roanoke College, Salem, Va.; during the Civil War entered the Confederate Army and became a captain in the First Virginia Cavalry; studied law in the University of Virginia at Charlottesville and was graduated in 1867; was admitted to the bar in 1867 and commenced practice in Harrisonburg, Va.; Commonwealth attorney of Rockingham County 1870-1877; served in the State senate 1877-1880; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1878 to the Forty-sixth Congress; elected as a Readjuster Democrat to the Forty-seventh Congress (March 4, 1881-March 3, 1883); presented credentials as a Member-elect to the Forty-eighth Congress and served from March 4, 1883, until September 5, 1883, when he resigned, having been appointed to a judicial position; the election subsequently was successfully contested by Charles T. O’Farrall; appointed judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia by President Arthur and served from September 5, 1883, until his death in Harrisonburg, Va., November 1, 1901; interment in Woodbine Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present