The Biographical Dictionary of America/Barbour, James C.

BARBOUR, James C., statesman, was born in Orange county, Va., June 10, 1775; son of Col. Thomas Barbour. He studied law while deputy sheriff, and was admitted to the bar in 1794. He was a member, and part of the time speaker, of the Virginia house of delegates from 1796-1812, and framed the anti-duelling act. In 1812 he was elected governor of Virginia, and in 1815 to the United States senate. He was secretary of war under President John Q. Adams, and in 1828 was sent as minister to England, being recalled by President Jackson in 1829. He was president of the Whig convention in 1839, which mominated General Harrison for president, and was a vigorous opposer of the doctrines of the Democratic party. He died June 8, 1842.