John Paul (1839-1901)
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John Paul (June 30, 1839 - November 1, 1901) was a U.S. Representative and federal judge from Virginia.
Born in Rockingham County, Virginia, Paul attended the common schools and Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.
During the Civil War, Paul entered the Confederate States Army and became a captain in the First Virginia Cavalry. He studied law at the University of Virginia and was graduated in 1867. He was admitted to the bar in 1867 and commenced practice in Harrisonburg. He served as the Commonwealth's attorney for Rockingham County from 1870 to 1877. He married Katherine Seymour Green, November 19, 1874. He served in the Virginia senate from 1877 to 1880. He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1878 to the Forty-sixth Congress.
Paul was elected as a Readjuster Democrat to the Forty-seventh Congress (March 4, 1881-March 3, 1883), succeeding John T. Harris, and served from March 4, 1883, until September 5, 1883, when he resigned to take his judicial position. Paul's congressional election was successfully contested by Charles Triplett O'Ferrall.
Paul was nominated to become judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia by Chester A. Arthur, filling the seat vacated by Alexander Rives, and he served from September 5, 1883, until his death in Harrisonburg, Virginia, November 1, 1901. Theodore Roosevelt appointed Henry C. McDowell to replace Judge Paul.
Judge Paul was interred in Woodbine Cemetery.
His son, John Paul, Jr., also served as U.S. Representative and as judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
