John Lafayette Camp Sr. (February 20, 1828 – July 16, 1891) was an American lawyer, politician and judge. He is the eponym of Camp County, Texas.
Early life
John was born on February 20, 1828, in Elyton, Alabama, to John and Elizabeth Camp. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1848, he moved to Gilmer, Texas. He started a plantation and was admitted to the bar. In 1851, he married Mary Ann Ward, the daughter of a local doctor. The couple would have five children, including John Jr., who went on to become an attorney.
Civil war
During the American Civil War, Camp enlisted to the Confederate States Army. He joined the 14th Texas Cavalry Regiment and was elected Captain of his company. By the end of the war, he was Colonel of the 10th Texas Cavalry, and attached to the Army of Tennessee. He was in actions at Cumberland Gap, Murfreesboro, and Chickamauga. John was wounded and captured twice. when Richard B. Hubbard appointed him a judge in State district court. He resigned as a judge in 1878, due to poor health.