John T. Rather

John Taylor Rather
Portrait of Capt. John Rather, circa 1870; from family photo collection
Delegate from Morgan County to the Alabama Reconstruction Convention
In office 1865–1865
Member of the Alabama State Senate
In office 1835–1836
Board member of the State Bank of Alabama in Decatur
In office 1833–1845
Member of the Alabama House of Representatives
In office 1820–1835
Personal details
Born	(1792-03-14)14 March 1792 Prince Edward County, Virginia, United States
Died	3 January 1881(1881-01-03) (aged 88) Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama, United States
Resting place	Somerville, Morgan County, Alabama
Spouses	Barbra McClellan (1800–1826) Susan Roberts (1805–1854)
Children	at least 1
Occupation	Military Officer Politician Banker Farmer
Military service
Rank	Captain Lieutenant
Battles/wars	War of 1812 Creek War Second Creek War American Civil War

Captain John Taylor Rather 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