John Taliaferro

John Taliaferro (1768 – August 12, 1852) was a 19th century politician, lawyer and librarian from Virginia, serving several non-consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in the early 19th century.

Early life and education John Taliaferro was born in 1768 on "Hays" near Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Elizabeth (née Garnett) and John Taliaferro. He attended a private school. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, commencing practice in Fredericksburg.

Career Taliaferro was elected a Democratic-Republican to the United States House of Representatives in 1800, serving from March 4, 1801, to March 3, 1803. In 1805, he was a presidential elector for the Jefferson ticket. In 1821, he was a presidential elector for the Monroe ticket.

Taliferro served in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1829–1830. He was elected as one of four delegates from a state Senate district of his home county in the Northern Neck, King George County, including Westmoreland, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Stafford and Prince William Counties.

Elected a fourth time in 1834, he ran as an Anti-Jacksonian and Whig, serving from March 4, 1835, to March 3, 1843. He was chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions from 1839 to 1843.

Taliaferro worked as a librarian at the United States Department of the Treasury from 1850 to his death.

Personal life Taliaferro died at his farm "Hagley" near Fredericksburg on August 12, 1852. He was interred on the property.