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 16, 2011

David Robinson Duncan, class of 1855

David R. Duncan was born at Randolph-Macon College, where his father served as a professor.After graduation, he moved to South Carolina where he studied law while teaching high school for one year. He then practiced law until enlisting in August 1861 as first lieutenant in Company C of the 13th South Carolina Infantry. He was made captain, then was promoted to Major in the spring of 1864. After the war he served in the S.C. Legislature and Senate, practiced law, and was a prominent businessman.