Pocahontas was in Augusta County long ago.

 

Pocahontas was in Augusta County long ago.

Augusta County had a vibrant political scene, with various activities and shifts in power throughout its history. Here's a detailed look at the political activities in the county based on the sources:

Early Political Organization and Representation

• Augusta County was initially part of a larger district, and its residents had to travel to Orange Court House to conduct legal and political business.
• The county was officially organized in 1745 with the appointment of its first magistrates.
• The county was represented in the House of Burgesses, though early records of elections are scarce.
• The county was required to pay the "wages" of its representatives.
• Thomas Lewis and James Patton were among the early representatives of Augusta County in the House of Burgesses.
• John Willson and William Preston were Burgesses from Augusta in 1766.

Pre-Revolutionary Tensions

• The people of Augusta were actively involved in the growing tensions with Great Britain.
• In 1775, a committee of safety was established to act as the local executive authority.
• In early 1776, the county committee adopted a memorial to the Convention, expressing the necessity of forming an independent state government and a permanent confederation of states. This is considered one of the first expressions of the policy of establishing an independent state government.
• The last court of Augusta County under British authority was held in 1776, marking a shift toward self-governance.
• Augusta County, along with Dunmore (later Shenandoah), formed a district for the election of a state senator.

Revolutionary War and Formation of West Augusta

• The county was involved in raising troops for the Revolutionary War.
• The district of West Augusta was formed, which significantly reduced the territory of Augusta County.
• The district of West Augusta was divided into the counties of Ohio, Yohogania, and Monongalia.
• The county was required to elect militia officers.

Post-Revolutionary Period

• Augusta County's political landscape was influenced by the rise of different parties, including the Whig and Democratic parties.
• The county experienced political divisions during the lead-up to the Civil War, with some residents in favor of secession and others opposed.
• In 1787, parts of Bath and Pendleton counties were included in Augusta.

The Civil War Era

• Augusta County was deeply affected by the Civil War.
• The county's delegates to the Virginia Convention initially opposed secession, but the county ultimately voted in favor of the ordinance.
• The county court declared it the duty of any member who had doubts about secession to resign their office.
• The county experienced the presence of both Confederate and Union troops, as well as the establishment of a provisional government.
• The county underwent political reorganization during Reconstruction.

Reconstruction and Beyond

• During Reconstruction, Augusta County saw the election of county officers under a new system.
• The county was subject to military appointments and the registration of voters under federal law.
• The county saw the rise of the Conservative Party, which opposed the Radical Republicans, and the people voted against the proposed Constitutional Convention.
• There were also changes in the judiciary system with judges and justices of the peace being elected by the people rather than appointed.
• The county voted on proposals to subscribe to the stock of the Valley Railroad Company.
• The people of Augusta elected supervisors and other county officials.
• The county experienced political struggles and the removal of elected officials by military authorities.
• The county’s political climate was impacted by the Flick Amendment of 1871 and the political revolution of 1872, which swept aside the political distinction between Federal and Confederate.

Key Political Figures

• Alexander H.H. Stuart was a prominent political figure in Augusta County, serving in the US House of Representatives. He also served as chairman of a committee in the county and delivered an address at the Augusta County Fair.
• John B. Baldwin was elected speaker of the House of Delegates and was influential in state politics.
• Chapman Johnson served as mayor and represented Augusta in the state Senate.
• William McCoy represented the area in Congress.
• Robert Porterfield was president of the Whig convention.
• Jacob Swoope also served in Congress.
• Hugh W. Sheffey was a speaker of the House of Delegates during the Civil War.
• Marshall Hanger also served as Speaker of the House of Delegates.

Elections and Voting

• Elections were not always held on the same day throughout the state or even the district.
• The right to vote was initially restricted to freeholders but was later extended to housekeepers and heads of families who paid taxes.
• Suffrage was eventually extended to all white male citizens.
• A secret ballot system was introduced, which was a change from the previous system where voters proclaimed their choice at the polls.

Political Meetings and Conventions

• Various political meetings and conventions were held in Staunton, including a large and influential convention in 1832.
• A meeting was held at Chambers' tavern to consider the state of the country and adopt a series of resolutions.
• The county was the site of a Whig meeting in 1840, featuring speeches by prominent figures.
• A State Conservative Convention was held in Richmond, which was largely composed of prominent men in the Commonwealth.

Other Political Notes

• The county saw some political disputes and charges of corruption.
• The Democratic Party had a strong presence in the county.
• The county was also home to a number of influential lawyers, many of whom were involved in politics.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the political activities in Augusta County, showcasing its evolution from a frontier region to a key player in state and national politics. The county experienced shifts in power, political divisions, and the involvement of many notable figures.