Historical Rosters Database
John McCausland
Roster ID 638This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
| First Name: | John |
| Middle Name: | |
| Last Name: | McCausland |
| Suffix: | |
| Affiliation: | Class of 1857 |
| Biography & Genealogy: | John McCausland, Class of 1857: Born- September 13, 1836. Matriculated from Point Pleasant (West Virginia). At VMI 4 years. At UVa 1857-58. On VMI faculty 1859-60 as Lieutenant and Assistant Professor of Math and Assistant Instructor of Tactics. Helped organize, and elected Capt of, 1st Rockbridge Artillery (Capt A. Graham's Company Va Light Artillery), but declined the position. Appointed Lt Col, Provincial Army Virginia, and on April 29, 1861 sent to Kanawah Valley on recruiting duty. Organized and on July 16, 1861 appointed Col, 36th Va (date of rank July 15). "Conspicuous for his daring intrepidity" at Ft Donelson February 1862. Often commanded brigade in western Va and at times commanded Department of Western Va. To Brigadier General May 24, 1864 (date of rank May 18). Wounded in action July 9, 1864 at Monocacy. On June 30, 1864, acting under orders, burned Chambersburg, Pa. Paroled May 22, 1865 at Charleston, West Virginia. He, J.W. Echols, and D.S. Hounshell were department commanders and, as such, held the highest posts occupied by VMI alumni in the Confederate service. Post War Career: Lived in Mexico and Europe for 2 years after war. Teacher; farmer. Died- Mason County, West Virginia January 22, 1927. Next to last surviving CS general (F.H. Robertson was last.) Called Gobler by VMI cadets; "Tiger John" by his soldiers. |
| Additional Online Resources: | VMI Civil War Generals-McCausland |
