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 Virginia, U.S. | (aged 41)
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 |
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]
Virginia House of Delegates October 10, 1814.