Historical Rosters Database

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William Alexander Obenchain

Roster ID 199
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:William
Middle Name:Alexander
Last Name:Obenchain
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1862
Biography & Genealogy:William Alexander Obenchain. Class of 1862. Born April 27, 1841 at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia. Parents: Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland; entered VMI on July 18, 1859 as a member of the Class of 1862 and was graduated (1st in his class) in December 1861--this class was graduated early due to the war. Served in various capacities as an Engineer officer throughout the Civil War. Postwar career- educator. Taught at Pittsboro (NC) Military Academy, Western Military Acad. (New Castle, KY), University of Nashville, Ogden College. Married Eliza Hall Calvert of Bowling Green in 1885; issue: Margery, William A. Jr., Thoms H, Cecilia. Obenchain died August 17, 1916 at his home in Bowling Green, age 75.

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