Historical Rosters Database

  • {{ display(decade) }}

William Leigh Hopkins

Roster ID 1311
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:William
Middle Name:Leigh
Last Name:Hopkins
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1863
Biography & Genealogy:Hopkins William Leigh, Class of 1863: Born- 1841. Matriculated from Mobile, Al. At VMI 2 years, 7 months. At UVa 1858-1859. Military Record: Drill Master, Richmond spring 1861. Left VMI early 1862 to raise company, but Conscript Law thwarted his efforts. Appointed 1st Lt and Drill Master September 4, 1862 (date of rank August 16) and assigned to camp of instruction Notasulga, Al. In May 1864 serving with Conscript Department, State of Alabama, as 1st Lt at Camp Watts, Al. Suffered mental problems, reportedly caused by "intemperate use of alcoholics and tobacco" and described as "exceedingly fat and almost imbicile mentally." Post War Career: Entered state mental hospital, Tuscaloosa, Al in 1866 or 1867, where he died. Died- December 30, 1873 in Tuscaloosa, Al.

About the Database

The database currently includes the names of all enrolled students (both graduates and non-graduates) from VMI's opening in 1839 through the World War II era. In addition, you will find biographical and genealogical information, including a summary of military service during the Civil War, for many individuals who attended in the 19th century. The database also includes some historical Faculty and Board of Visitors members, as well as U. S. Army students sent to VMI for training during World Wars I and II. The latter groups were not VMI cadets. For further information about an ancestor listed in the database, please contact the VMI Archives. We can check the complete record, let you know if other information available, and provide copies of original documents. This database is for historical research. We do not release information about living individuals.

VMI Archives
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA 24450
archives@vmi.edu
540-464-7516