University of Virginia Library

Department of Law:

The frequent rearrangements of subjects in the
medical department has not entirely obliterated the
original distinction of schools. In the Department
of Law, however, the two schools, in which the

original one was divided in 1851, have become simply
a number of classes.

John Tayloe Lomax, the first professor of law,
entered upon his duties July, 1826, and retired four
years later. John A. G. Davis, his successor, was
assassinated in 1840, and the work of the school for
that year was completed by Nathaniel Pope Howard.
Mr. Howard was killed in the capitol disaster
in Richmond, April 27, 1870.[6]

Judge Henry St. George Tucker was incumbent
from 1841 to 1845, when he resigned on account of
failing health.[7] Then began the remarkable career
as a teacher of law of John B. Minor, which extended
to the year of his death, 1895.

In 1851 James P. Holcombe entered the service of
the School of Law as adjunct, and in 1854 became
professor. At that time he was one of the most distinguished
men in the faculty. He rightly interpreted
the signs of the times as portending a terrible
civil conflict, and became a leader of the thought
that solidified the South. As an orator at once persuasive
and passionate, he swayed the opinions of
all who heard him, and not only almost but fully
convinced them that there was but one side to the
tremendous controversy. His connection with the
University ended in 1861, in which year he was a

member of the Secession Convention. The Confederacy
claimed his service in Congress and in confidential
relations until its collapse in 1865.

Holcombe was succeeded by Stephen O. Southall,
1866-84; and he by James H. Gilmore, 1885-96.

William Minor Lile entered the faculty in 1893,
becoming the colleague of Professors Minor and
Gilmore. Upon the death of Mr. Minor in 1895,
Walter D. Dabney succeeded him, but death claimed
him after three years of service (1899), and Charles
A. Graves has filled the chair since that year. There
have been two assistants or instructors—John B.
Minor, Jr., 1890-93; Raleigh C. Minor, 1893-95.
The latter was made adjunct 1895-99, and professor
since the last named date.

The degree of Bachelor of Law was conferred for
the first time in July, 1829, on Charles L. Mosby of
Powhatan and Nathaniel Wolfe of Charlottesville.

Outside influences which affected the graduate
have forced the element of time into the conditions
precedent to the conferring of the degrees in Law
and Medicine. Two years are required in residence
for the degree of Bachelor of Law, and four for
that of Doctor of Medicine.