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.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Oscar Wiley, Medical Department class of 1851

Oscar Wiley graduated from the Medical Department of Randolph-Macon College in 1851 and Pennsylvania's Jefferson Medical College in 1852.

Randolph-Macon's medical school was located in Prince Edward Court House, several miles from the Boydton campus. He enlisted in Pulaski County, VA, as a private in the 2nd Cavalry, Company I. On September 3, 1862, Dr. Wiley was commissioned into Co. F of the 54th Virginia Infantry, with a promotion to the Medical Staff. He practiced medicine until his death in 1904.