Cartwright, Peter (1785-1872), was a circuit rider (traveling preacher) on the American frontier and a Methodist Church official. After he became a Methodist in 1801, Cartwright preached in Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1824, he moved to the free state of Illinois because he disliked slavery. He was twice elected to the Illinois state legislature. In 1846, he lost to future President Abraham Lincoln in a contest for a U.S. congressional seat. Cartwright's Autobiography (1857) is an interesting description of pioneer life. He was born in Amherst County, Virginia.