![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/R.M.T._Hunter_CSA_LOC_cwpb.05605_%25283x4a%2529.jpg/640px-R.M.T._Hunter_CSA_LOC_cwpb.05605_%25283x4a%2529.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Robert M. T. Hunter
American lawyer and politician (1809–1887) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter (April 21, 1809 – July 18, 1887) was an American lawyer, politician and planter.[1] He was a U.S. representative (1837–1843, 1845–1847), speaker of the House (1839–1841), and U.S. senator (1847–1861). During the American Civil War, Hunter became the Confederate States Secretary of State (1861–1862) and then a Confederate senator (1862–1865) and critic of President Jefferson Davis. After the war, Hunter failed to win re-election to the U.S. Senate, but did serve as the treasurer of Virginia (1874–1880) before retiring to his farm. After fellow Democrat Grover Cleveland was elected President of the United States in 1884, Hunter became the customs collector for the port of Tappahannock until his death.
Robert Hunter | |
---|---|
![]() | |
President pro tempore of the Confederate States Senate | |
In office February 18, 1862 – May 10, 1865 | |
Preceded by | Howell Cobb (President of the Provisional Congress) |
Succeeded by | Position abolished |
Confederate States Senator from Virginia | |
In office February 18, 1862 – May 10, 1865 | |
Preceded by | Constituency established |
Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
2nd Confederate States Secretary of State | |
In office July 25, 1861 – February 18, 1862 | |
President | Jefferson Davis |
Preceded by | Robert Toombs |
Succeeded by | William Browne (Acting) |
United States Senator from Virginia | |
In office March 4, 1847 – March 28, 1861 | |
Preceded by | William Archer |
Succeeded by | John Carlile |
14th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives | |
In office December 16, 1839 [lower-alpha 1] – March 4, 1841 | |
Preceded by | James Polk |
Succeeded by | John White |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 8th district | |
In office March 4, 1845 – March 3, 1847 | |
Preceded by | Willoughby Newton |
Succeeded by | Richard L. T. Beale |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th district | |
In office March 4, 1837 – March 3, 1843 | |
Preceded by | John Roane |
Succeeded by | Samuel Chilton |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Essex County | |
In office December 1, 1834 – March 4, 1837 | |
Preceded by | Richard Baylor |
Succeeded by | George Lorimer |
Personal details | |
Born | Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter (1809-04-21)April 21, 1809 Loretto, Virginia, U.S. |
Died | July 18, 1887(1887-07-18) (aged 78) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
Political party | Whig (Before 1844) Democratic (1844–1887) |
Spouse | Mary Dandridge |
Education | University of Virginia (BA) Winchester Law School |
Signature | ![]() |