James Breckinridge (March 7, 1763 – May 13, 1833) was a Virginia lawyer and politician. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives. He was also fought in the American Revolutionary War and served as a brigadier-general during the War of 1812.
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Family and early life
Breckinridge was born near Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia. His brother was John Breckinridge (1760-1806) and he was the great-great-great-uncle of John Bayne Breckinridge. He studied under private tutors and during the Revolutionary War, he served in Colonel Preston's rifle regiment under General Greene. He attended Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) and was graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1785. He studied law and was admitted to the bar and practiced in Fincastle.
Political career
Breckinridge served as a delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates for the terms 1789-1802, 1806-1808, 1819-1821 and 1823-1824. He took a special interest in the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. He was then elected as a Federalist to the Eleventh Congress and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1809-March 3, 1817). He was an associate of Thomas Jefferson in the establishment of the University of Virginia and served as brigadier general in the War of 1812.
Death and afterward
Breckinridge died at his country home, "Grove Hill," Botetourt County, Virginia, May 13, 1833 and was buried in the family burial plot on his estate near Fincastle.
References
| Preceded by Alexander Wilson |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 5th congressional district 1809-1817 |
Succeeded by John Floyd |
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | Breckinridge, James |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | Virginia lawyer and politician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | March 7, 1763 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | near Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia |
| DATE OF DEATH | May 13, 1833 |
| PLACE OF DEATH | Botetourt County, Virginia |
