John T. Rather

Captain John Taylor Rather (1792-1881) was an American politician, Banker, and soldier, who served in several conflicts during the nineteenth century. He also was a member of the Alabama State Senate and the Alabama House of Representatives.

Early life and career John Taylor Rather was born in 1792 in Virginia, to Daniel Rather (1763–1824) and Frances Taylor (1767–1822). He immigrated to the Territory of Alabama where he served as a local militia Captain in the War of 1812 and the Creek War. He later served in the Second Creek War and the American Civil War, all in local militia capacities.

Later life and Legacy Rather served in the Alabama House of Representatives, the Alabama State Senate, and the Alabama Reconstruction Convention. He also was a board member of the State Bank of Alabama in Decatur. He died in 1881 aged 88. Circa 1880 from left to right: Br. Gen. William B. McClellan, age 83; Capt. John T. Rather, age 87; Col. Thomas McElderry, age 90; Gov. Reuben Chapman, age 79; from McElderry's families photo collection