Historical Rosters Database

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Raleigh Thomas Colston

Roster ID 570
This is a summary. Contact the Archives for additional biographical information.
First Name:Raleigh
Middle Name:Thomas
Last Name:Colston
Suffix:
Affiliation:Class of 1855
Biography & Genealogy:Raleigh Thomas Colston, Class of 1855: Genealogy: Born- Feb. 18, 1834 in Richmond, VA. Father- Col. Edward Colston; Mother- S. Jane Brockenbrough. Pat. Grandfather- Raleigh Colston; Pat. Grandmother- Elizabeth Marshall. Mat. Grandfather- Judge William Brockenbrough; Mat. Grandmother- unknown. Never married, no children. VMI Record: Entered VMI- Aug. 3, 1850; Left Dec. 3, 1851, failing in studies, but also needing to help his mother at home after the sudden death of his father. Careers: Farmer. Military Record: Captain of Va. Militia before the Civil War; Enlisted for War April 19, 1861 at Hedgesville, Va (now W. Va.) as Captain of Co. E, 2nd Va. Infantry; promoted to Lieut. Col. March 17, 1863; often commanded his regiment; Wounded in action at First Kernstown and Gaines's Mill; in hospital in Charlottesville with dysentery June 22- July 9, 1863; wounded in action at Payne's Farm Nov.27, 1863; left leg amputated below knee; developed pneumonia. Died- Dec. 23, 1863 from effects of wounds and illness in Charlottesville hospital. Buried in cemetery at University of Va.

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