The Men of Randolph-Macon College and the Civil War

In 1861, talk of secession transformed into armed conflict. Many of the men educated at Randolph-Macon College in the preceding 29 years immediately responded to the calls of their state militias to serve, while others later enlisted or were conscripted into the Confederate or Union armies. Others served in public office, or were ultimately drawn into the conflict in the last days in reserve units in local defense. These are their stories.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Abel T. Ashby, Student 1858-1861

Abel Thomas Ashby of Northumberland County, VA, enlisted on June 22, 1861 at Franktown, VA as a private in Company C of the 39th VA Infantry. He was taken prisoner of war on November 15, 1861 on the Eastern Shore of VA. After the war, Ashby became a prominent citizen in Northumberland County until his death on October 5, 1901, including serving on the first Board of Directors of the Eastern Shore Historical Society organized in 1890. He is buried in Belle Haven Cemetery in Accomack County, VA.