John Witcher
John Seashoal Witcher | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 3rd district | |
| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1871 | |
| Preceded by | Daniel Polsley |
| Succeeded by | Frank Hereford |
| 3rd Secretary of State of West Virginia | |
| In office 1867–1869 | |
| Governor | William E. Stevenson |
| Preceded by | Granville D. Hall |
| Succeeded by | James M. Pipes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 15, 1839 |
| Died | July 8, 1906 (aged 66) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mahaley Witcher |
| Profession | Politician, Soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | |
| Years of service |
|
| Rank | |
| Unit | 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Seashoal Witcher (July 15, 1839 – July 8, 1906) was an American farmer, politician and soldier from Cabell County, West Virginia (then in Virginia), who helped found the new Union state during the American Civil War and served one term in Congress representing West Virginia's 3rd congressional district as a Republican. After losing his re-election in 1870 he resumed his federal and U.S. Army career. In addition to serving as lieutenant colonel and brevet colonel of the 3rd West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, Witcher also served a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and as the 3rd Secretary of State of West Virginia. On March 18, 1867, President Andrew Johnson nominated Witcher for appointment to the brevet grade of brigadier general, to rank from March 13, 1865; and the United States Senate confirmed the appointment on March 28, 1867. He is sometimes confused with his first cousin, Confederate Col. Vincent A. "Clawhammer" Witcher, a lawyer who lived in nearby Wayne County and who commanded the 34th Virginia Cavalry Battalion.