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 2, 2011

John W. Heartsfield, class of 1859

He enlisted in the 1st NC Infantry, Co I on July 16, 1861 as 1st sergeant. Heartsfield was killed at Ellerson’s Mill, VA on June 26, 1862. The Battle of Ellerson's Mill is also known as the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek or the Battle of Mechanicsville, and is part of the Seven Days Battles in the Peninsula Campaign.