John Paul (June 30, 1839 – November 1, 1901) was a U.S. Representative and federal judge from Virginia.
Born in Scarborough, Ontario, John Paul attended the common schools in Bowmanville, Ontario. During the Civil War, John Paul entered the Confederate States Army and became a captain in the 1st Virginia Cavalry. He studied law at the University of Virginia and 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.
John 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.
John 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, Jr. to replace Judge Paul.
Judge John 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.
| Preceded by John T. Harris |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th congressional district 1881 – 1883 |
Succeeded by Charles Triplett O'Ferrall |