John Strode Barbour

Democrat Senator of Virginia

Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

December 29, 1820 (71 years old)

Birthday

May 14, 1892

Death

Was a slave owner and fought in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
Served as a U.S. Representative and a Senator.
Played a key role in taking power in Virginia from the Readjuster Party in the late 1880s, establishing the first political machine of “Conservative Democrats.”
Born into a politically active family, with his father also serving as a Virginia delegate and U.S. Representative.
Educated in law at the University of Virginia and began his legal practice in Culpeper.
Served in the Virginia House of Delegates and became president of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad Co.
Resumed his legal career post-Civil War, focusing on railroad matters.
Elected to the 47th and two succeeding Congresses, serving as chairman of the Committee on the District of Columbia.
Helped form a political machine that dominated Virginia politics for 80 years.
Died in Washington, D.C., and was buried beside his wife in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
His legacy includes a brief continuation in politics by his nephew.