Philip W. Magruder


Philip Wilson Magruder was an American politician who served in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Early life

Magruder was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia to Dr William W. Magruder. His brother, John William Magruder, was a major in the American Civil War and commanded a volunteer company in the Spanish–American War. J. W. Magruder's son was John Magruder, a brigadier general in the U. S. Army. Another brother, Henry C. Magruder, was prominent in the Presbyterian Church at Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Magruder studied at the Woodstock Academy and Minor's School in Albemarle, before reading law the University of Virginia.

Military career

After his studies, he entered the Confederate States Army as a Corporal in the 10th Virginia Infantry, being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He was wounded in the spine and knee during the Battle of Chancellorsville. He joined the Confederate Quartermaster-General's Department and remained in service there until the end of the war.

Political and law career

In 1866, he became a Principal of Woodstock Academy and taught there for several years. Afterwards, he began practicing law on the Shenandoah Circuit Court, serving as both Commissioner in Chancery and Commissioner of Accounts. He formed a partnership with Henry C. Allen.
In 1887, he was chosen as the Democratic candidate for Shenandoah in the Virginia House of Delegates, and held the post for several years. He was offered the nomination for a fourth term in office, but declined.

Personal life

On February 20, 1862, he married Annie Ott. They had five daughters and two sons. He was a Presbyterian.
On the afternoon of March 4, 1907, Magruder suffered a stroke while working in his office. He was moved home, where he died later that evening. He was buried in Massanutten Cemetery in Woodstock.