The New International Encyclopædia/Pierpont, Francis Harrison

PIER′PONT, Francis Harrison (1814-99). An American political leader, born in Monongalia County, Va. (now West Virgina). He supported himself while studying and graduated at Alleghany College (Pennsylvania) in 1839. He began the practice of law at Fairmount, Va., about 1845. He was a pronounced abolitionist, and was an elector on the Whig ticket in 1848. After Virginia seceded, representatives from 40 western counties met in convention at Wheeling June 11, 1861, organized the ‘Restored Government of Virginia,’ and elected him Governor. He was recognized by President Lincoln and raised troops for the Federal Army. In the fall he was elected by the loyal people for the unexpired term of two years, and then for a full term of four years. When West Virginia was admitted to the Union as a separate State in June, 1863, he removed his capital to Alexandria, under the protection of the Federal Army. When Richmond was evacuated he removed there, and acted as Governor of the entire State until 1868. He then returned to Fairmount and sat in the West Virginia Legislature in 1870. President Garfield appointed him collector of internal revenue, in which capacity he served until the consolidation of his district.