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.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Anderson A. Williams, student 1856-1857

Anderson A. Williams was in his late 20s when he attended R-MC as an "irregular" student. He had been a student in Princess Anne County, VA in 1850. He joined Co. G of the 2nd North Carolina Cavalry on July 8, 1861 as a private and later served as Quartermaster Sergeant. Williams, whose military records sometimes appear under Andrew A. Williams, died of disease near Culpepper Courthouse, VA, on May 2, 1863.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

William Norwood Branch, student 1851-1852

Branch, who resided in Louisburg, Franklin County, NC, enlisted on June 6, 1861 as 1st sergeant in Co. B of the 1st NC Cavalry. He contracted typhoid and was sent to Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond VA, where he was admitted on Oct. 22, 1861. Records indicate that he was transferred to Dr. Chamberlaine (or Chamberlaynes), where he later died of typhoid pneumonia.

The William J. Branch family bible, held at the State Library of North Carolina, includes the statement that "Wm. Norwood Branch died the 24th November 1861 in the City of Richmond in the Service of his Country as a Soldier."