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]

Peter J. Carter
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Northampton County
In office
December 6, 1871 – December 3, 1879
Preceded byJames C. Toy
Succeeded byThomas A. Downs
Personal details
Born
Peter Jacob Carter

(1845-05-29)May 29, 1845
Eastville, Virginia, U.S.
DiedJuly 19, 1886(1886-07-19) (aged 41)
Virginia, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Georgianna Mapp
Maggie Treherne
Alma materHampton Institute
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1863–1866
Unit10th U.S. Colored Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Report of the Virginia State Library, Volumes 13-15. Richmond: Virginia State Library. 1918. Retrieved February 6, 2015. Virginia House of Delegates October 10, 1814.
  2. ^ "Carter, Peter Jacob (1845–1886)". www.encyclopediavirginia.org. Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
  3. ^ "Peter Jacob Carter WY-11-a | Marker History". www.markerhistory.com. Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
  4. ^ "Peter Jacob Carter Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
  5. ^ "About Our church – Bethel Baptist Church". Retrieved Mar 3, 2020.
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