D. French Slaughter Jr.

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Daniel French Slaughter Jr. (May 20, 1925 – October 2, 1998) was an American politician and member of the United States House of Representatives from January 3, 1985, until his resignation on November 5, 1991.

D. French Slaughter Jr.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia's 7th district
In office
January 3, 1985 – November 5, 1991
Preceded byJ. Kenneth Robinson
Succeeded byGeorge Allen
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
In office
January 8, 1958 – January 11, 1978
Preceded byNorman C. Bailey
Succeeded byGeorge P. Beard Jr.
ConstituencyMadison, Culpeper, and Orange (1958–1962)
45th district (1962–1964)
44th district (1964–1972)
25th district (1972–1978)
Personal details
Born
Daniel French Slaughter Jr.

(1925-05-20)May 20, 1925
Culpeper, Virginia, U.S.
DiedOctober 2, 1998(1998-10-02) (aged 73)
Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.
Political partyRepublican (1984–1998)
Independent (1974–1984)
Democratic (before 1974)
Alma materUniversity of Virginia (BA, LLB)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1943–1947
Battles/warsWorld War II

Early life and education

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Daniel Slaughter Jr. was born in Culpeper, Virginia, and attended public schools in Culpeper County. He attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated in 1953 with a B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Raven Society and of St. Anthony Hall.

Early career

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Slaughter served in the United States Army in combat infantry from 1943 to 1947 and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Culpeper.

He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1958 to 1978, serving as a Democrat until 1974, when he became an independent. In the early 1960s, he supported "massive resistance" to court-ordered school integration. He was a member of the board of visitors of the University of Virginia from 1978 to 1982, where he also served as rector from 1980 to 1982. From 1981 to 1984 he served as aide to John Otho Marsh Jr., the Secretary of the Army.

Congressional career

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Slaughter was elected from the 7th congressional district of Virginia in 1984 as a Republican. He was reelected three more times. However, he resigned on November 5, 1991, due to a series of strokes. He died in Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 2, 1998.

Electoral history

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  • 1984; Slaughter was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 56.5% of the vote, defeating Democrat Lewis M. Costello and Independent R.E. Frazier.
  • 1986; Slaughter was re-elected unopposed.
  • 1988; Slaughter was re-elected unopposed.
  • 1990; Slaughter was re-elected with 58.19% of the vote, defeating Democrat David M. Smith.
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  • United States Congress. "D. French Slaughter Jr. (id: S000479)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
  • Virginia House of Delegates bio for D. Slaughter
  • Washington Post's obituary for Slaughter
  • Appearances on C-SPAN
Virginia House of Delegates
Preceded by
Norman C. Bailey
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
for Madison, Culpeper, and Orange

January 8, 1958–January 10, 1962
Succeeded by
None (districts numbered)
Preceded by
None (district created)
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 45th district

January 10, 1962–January 8, 1964
Succeeded by
C. William Cleaton
Preceded by
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 44th district

January 8, 1964–January 12, 1972
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
from the 25th district

January 12, 1972–January 11, 1978
Succeeded by
George P. Beard Jr.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia's 7th congressional district

January 3, 1985–November 5, 1991
Succeeded by