Roger Atkinson Pryor - Early life and career, Civil War, Postbellum activities

US representative, born in Petersburg, Virginia, USA. A journalist (1852–9), he served in Congress (Democrat, Virginia, 1859–61), resigning to join the Confederate army. He later became a lawyer and judge in New York City (1866–1919).

Roger Atkinson Pryor (July 19, 1828 – March 14, 1919) was an American jurist, politician, newspaper editor, and Confederate general during the American Civil War.

Early life and career

Pryor was born near Petersburg, Virginia. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1845 and from the law school of the University of Virginia in 1848. Upon his return to the Virginia, he established The South in 1857.

He was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. House of Representatives to fill the vacancy in Virginia's 4th District caused by the death of William O.

Civil War

Pryor agitated for secession in Charleston, South Carolina, and before the attack on Fort Sumter declined an opportunity from P.G.T. Pryor was re-elected for the succeeding term, but owing to the secession of Virginia did not take his seat.

He entered the Confederate States Army as Colonel of the 3rd Virginia Infantry. His brigade, consisting of regiments from Virginia, Alabama,and Florida, took part in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, and Second Manassas, where it became detached in the swirling fighting and temporarily operated under Stonewall Jackson.

Due to a disagreement with Confederate President Jefferson Davis over his desire for permanent higher field command, Pryor resigned his commission in 1863 and his brigade was dismantled. He was released on parole by order of President Abraham Lincoln and returned to Virginia.

Postbellum activities

In 1865, an impoverished Pryor moved his family to New York City, where he established a profitable law firm with a partner. He served as judge of the New York Court of Common Pleas from 1890–1894, and justice of the New York Supreme Court from 1894–1899. He was appointed official referee by the appellate division of the state Supreme Court on April 10, 1912, and served until his death in New York City.

His wife, Sara Agnes (Rice) Pryor (b.