James Bouldin

James Wood Bouldin (1792 – March 30, 1854) was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia. He was the brother of Thomas Tyler Bouldin.

Born in Charlotte County, Virginia, Bouldin attended common schools and subsequently studied law. He was admitted to the bar on April 12, 1813, and began his legal practice in Charlotte Court House, Virginia. Outside of his legal career, Bouldin served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1825 to 1826.

Bouldin was elected to the Twenty-third Congress as a Jacksonian to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his brother Thomas Bouldin. He was subsequently re-elected to the Twenty-fourth Congress. In the Twenty-fifth Congress, he was elected as a Democrat. His congressional service spanned from March 15, 1834, to March 3, 1839. During this period, he served as chairman of the Committee on the District of Columbia.

In his political stance, Bouldin opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. His reasoning was that slaves in the district were "freer, happier, and more intelligent, and more pious" than they would have been if they had been freed and transported to Africa.

After leaving Congress, Bouldin resumed practicing law, which he may have ceased due to issues related to alcoholism. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Bouldin died at his country estate, named "Forest Hill," located in Charlotte County, Virginia, on March 30, 1854. He was buried in the private burial ground on his estate.

In terms of electoral history, Bouldin was re-elected in 1835 with 58.98% of the vote, defeating Whig candidate Philip A. Bolling. He was re-elected unopposed in 1837.