Peter Jacob Carter (May 29, 1845 – July 19, 1886) was an American Republican politician who served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Northampton County from 1871 to 1879. He was one of the first African-Americans to serve in Virginia's government.[1] He fell ill while traveling via steamboat between Norfolk and the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and died soon thereafter; the cause of his death was likely appendicitis. He was interred in the family cemetery near Franktown.[2] A historic marker in his honor was erected by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in 2009. It stands in front of Bethel Baptist Church,[3][4] which had been constructed on land that he had donated.[5]
Peter J. Carter | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Northampton County | |
| In office December 6, 1871 – December 3, 1879 | |
| Preceded by | James C. Toy |
| Succeeded by | Thomas A. Downs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Peter Jacob Carter May 29, 1845 Eastville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | July 19, 1886 (aged 41) Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Georgianna Mapp Maggie Treherne |
| Alma mater | Hampton Institute |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1866 |
| Unit | 10th U.S. Colored Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Report of the Virginia State Library, Volumes 13-15. Richmond: Virginia State Library. 1918. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
Virginia House of Delegates October 10, 1814.
- ^ "Carter, Peter Jacob (1845–1886)". www.encyclopediavirginia.org. Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
- ^ "Peter Jacob Carter WY-11-a | Marker History". www.markerhistory.com. Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
- ^ "Peter Jacob Carter Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
- ^ "About Our church – Bethel Baptist Church". Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
External links
edit- Peter J. Carter at The Virginia Elections and State Elected Officials Database Project, 1776-2007
- Peter J Carter at Encyclopedia Virginia