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 9, 2011

William Hoomes Davis, class of 1859

He enlisted in the 12th VA Infantry, Co. E on April 19, 1861 in Petersburg as a private with his friend Leroy Edwards. Davis died of a fever in a field hospital at Chancellorsville, VA on May 7, 1863 shortly after being promoted from corporal to sergeant on April 1, 1863.