Education
Born in Danville, Virginia, Cabell attended Danville Academy and later the law department at the University of Virginia in 1857.
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Born in Danville, Virginia, Cabell attended Danville Academy and later the law department at the University of Virginia in 1857.
After being admitted to the bar, he commenced practice in Danville in 1858. He was editor of the Republican and later Democratic Appeal in Danville and was elected commonwealth attorney on Danville in 1858, serving until 1861. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Cabell enlisted in the Confederate Army as a private in 1861, promoted to major later that year and was assigned to the 18th Regiment, Virginia Infantry.
He was later promoted to colonel which he served as until the end of the war and afterwards resumed practicing law.
Cabell was elected a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives in 1874, serving from 1875 to 1887. There, he was chairman of the Committee on Railways and Canals from 1877 to 1881.
After being unsuccessful for reelection in 1886, he resumed practicing law in Danville, Virginia until his death in Baltimore, Maryland on June 23, 1906. Cabell was interred in Green Hill Cemetery in Danville.
1874; Cabell was elected to the United States. House of Representatives with 57.13% of the vote, defeating Republican Christopher Yancy Thomas.
1876. Cabell was re-elected with 60.61% of the vote, defeating Republican Daniel South. Lewis. 1878; Cabell was re-elected with 66.7% of the vote, defeating Independent West.A. Witcher.
1880; Cabell was re-elected with 51.25% of the vote, defeating Readjuster John T. Stovall.
1882. Cabell was re-elected with 52.99% of the vote, defeating Readjuster William East. Sims. 1884; Cabell was re-elected with 55.04% of the vote, defeating Republican J.W. Hartwell.
1886; Cabell lost his re-election bid.