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.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Luther Wright, class of 1859

A teacher in Caroline County at the beginning of the war, Wright enlisted in 47th Va Infantry, Co. G on August 2, 1861 as a 1st lieutenant. He was wounded on June 27, 1862 at Gaines’ Mill, VA; promoted to Captain on August 30, 1862; and wounded again on December 13, 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA. Wright resigned on April 25, 1863, citing family illness and the fact that the company had dwindled in size, and his resignation was accepted.

After the war, he was a farmer in 1870 in Caroline County, VA. In 1880 and 1900, he was a working for the railroad. By 1910, he is listed in the census as having his "own income." He died November 24, 1921 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA.