Auburn Lorenzo (A.L.) Pridemore was born on June 27, 1837 near Purchase (Duffield) in Scott County. By his own efforts, alternately working and going to school, he received a limited, but usable education. During the Civil War, Pridemore raised a company of volunteer infantry for the Confederate Army and served as its Captain until June 1862.

Military leadership came naturally to Pridemore. He received several promotions, eventually rising to Colonel of the 64th Virginia Calvary. In 1865, he was elected a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. However, the war prevented him from taking his seat. After the war, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He began practicing law in Jonesville in Lee County. From 1871-1875, Pridemore served in the State Senate. Two years later, he was elected as a Democrat to the 45th Congress from 1877-1879. After public life, he returned to law practice in Jonesville.